For many people, the dental chair is not just a place of treatmentits a source of anxiety, fear, or sensory overwhelm. The sounds of instruments, the smell of disinfectants, the feeling of pressure or vibrationall of these can trigger discomfort, especially for individuals with heightened sensory sensitivity. One simple yet powerful tool to ease that experience is the use of sensory objects.
At McLevin Dental, we support every method that helps our patients feel calm, in control, and safe. In this blog, well explore the growing role of sensory objects in dental coping, how they benefit patients with anxiety or sensory processing challenges, and ways you can use them to make your next dental visit more manageable.
What Are Sensory Objects?
Sensory objects are small, handheld items that provide tactile, visual, or auditory stimulation to help focus attention, regulate nervous system responses, and relieve stress. They are widely used in therapeutic and educational settings and have now found their way into dental care for their calming and grounding effects.
Common sensory objects include:
Stress balls
Fidget toys
Smooth stones or textured objects
Weighted blankets or lap pads
Aromatherapy-infused items
Noise-cancelling headphones
These objects give patients something safe and familiar to focus on during their appointmentredirecting attention from anxiety triggers to comfort cues.
Who Benefits Most from Sensory Objects?
Sensory objects can be helpful for anyone who feels anxious or overwhelmed during dental care, but they are particularly beneficial for:
Children who are new to the dentist or have trouble staying still
Adults with dental phobia or past trauma
Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Individuals with ADHD or sensory processing disorder
People who experience anxiety attacks or panic during treatment
When dental visits feel physically or emotionally overstimulating, sensory tools provide grounding support.
How Sensory Objects Improve the Dental Experience
Sensory objects help regulate the bodys stress response in a few key ways:
1. Tactile Distraction
Focusing on the sensation of squeezing a soft object or moving a textured toy shifts attention away from the procedure and toward a soothing activity.
2. Anxiety Reduction
Engaging the senses reduces hyperactivity in the nervous system, helping to lower cortisol levels, steady breathing, and ease muscle tension.
3. Empowerment and Control
Holding something in your handeven something smallcan restore a sense of control and autonomy, especially in a setting where you may feel vulnerable.
4. Routine and Predictability
Bringing the same object to each appointment creates a comforting ritual, offering predictability that helps build trust and familiarity with the dental process.
Types of Sensory Tools to Consider
Not sure what kind of object might work for you or your child? Here are a few categories to explore:
Touch-Based: stress balls, therapy putty, fuzzy fabrics, beaded bracelets
Visual: glitter jars, color-changing LED items, calm visual patterns
Sound: white noise machines, soft music via headphones, nature sounds
Scent: lavender-infused plush toys, scented putty, essential oil rollers
Pressure: weighted lap pads, compression sleeves, neck wraps
Choose based on what youor your childrespond to best. Every person is different, and what soothes one may overstimulate another.
How McLevin Dental Supports Sensory Needs
At McLevin Dental, we welcome patients of all ages and sensory profiles. We offer a flexible, inclusive environment and are happy to accommodate your preferences. Heres how we help:
Encouraging patients to bring personal sensory tools
Offering breaks during treatment to reset and regroup
Using soft lighting, calming music, or white noise as needed
Allowing headphones or comfort items in the chair
Taking extra time with patients who need a slower pace
We also train our team to recognize signs of sensory distress and respond with compassion, patience, and respect.
Tips for Using Sensory Objects at the Dentist
If youd like to bring sensory tools to your next appointment, heres how to prepare:
Call ahead and let the clinic knowwell make accommodations and prepare the environment for your needs
Bring a few different tools so you can switch if one becomes unhelpful
Choose quiet items that wont distract the dental team
Test the items at home to see which ones help you feel calm and focused
Use during both waiting and treatmentcontinuity can help with emotional regulation
Parents can also bring sensory kits for children that include a favorite toy, calming scents, headphones, or small snacks for aftercare.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Is a Right, Not a Privilege
Dental care doesnt need to be stressful or uncomfortable. Whether youre managing anxiety, neurodiversity, or past trauma, sensory objects can provide the extra support you need to feel safe and grounded. These simple tools can transform how you experience dental carefrom something to endure into something you can confidently navigate.