Helping Patients with Tourette’s Stay Comfortable

For patients living with Tourette Syndrome, visiting the dentist can be uniquely stressful. Involuntary movements or vocal tics, heightened anxiety, and concerns about control during treatment can make dental care feel intimidating or even inaccessible. At McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough, we’re committed to offering respectful, accommodating care that meets every patient exactly where they are—including those with Tourette’s.

In this blog, we’ll explore the specific challenges patients with Tourette Syndrome may face in dental settings and outline strategies we use to create a supportive, judgment-free environment that promotes comfort, dignity, and successful treatment.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome in the Dental Context

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and sounds known as tics. These can include:

Sudden head or arm movements

Facial grimacing or blinking

Throat clearing, grunting, or other vocalizations

Complex motor tics involving larger muscle groups

Tics often become more noticeable in high-stress environments or when a person feels they must suppress them—which is common in medical settings. Unfortunately, the pressure to remain still or quiet during dental treatment can increase anxiety and the frequency or severity of tics.

Common Dental Challenges for Patients with Tourette’s

Patients with Tourette Syndrome may struggle with:

Fear of judgment or misunderstanding from dental professionals

Embarrassment about tics occurring during treatment

Difficulty remaining still, which can affect the safety of certain procedures

Anxiety that increases tics, creating a feedback loop of stress

Sensory sensitivities to lights, tools, or sounds in the clinic

Without proper support, these challenges can lead to dental avoidance and worsening oral health.

How McLevin Dental Supports Patients with Tourette’s

We approach every patient with empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt our care. Our team is trained to support neurodiverse individuals and those with neurological conditions like Tourette Syndrome.

1. Judgment-Free, Respectful Environment

Our team treats tics as a normal part of the experience—not as a disruption. Patients are never rushed, shamed, or made to feel uncomfortable because of involuntary movements or sounds.

2. Personalized Pre-Treatment Planning

Before the appointment, we invite patients (and caregivers, if applicable) to share what helps them feel safe and in control. This may include:

Preferred times of day for appointments

Strategies to reduce anxiety or sensory overload

Advance discussion of procedures to reduce fear of the unknown

Planning breaks or pacing treatment to match the patient’s comfort

3. Sedation Options for Comfort and Stability

For some patients, sedation dentistry may be appropriate to help manage tics during complex procedures. Options include:

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Reduces anxiety and muscle tension while keeping the patient alert

Oral sedation: Helps with relaxation and decreases the urge to tic

IV sedation: Offers deeper relaxation when needed for safety or comfort during longer or more involved treatments

Sedation is always discussed thoroughly beforehand, considering medical history and individual preference.

4. Adjusting Clinical Techniques

We adapt our approach to each patient by:

Scheduling extra time for procedures

Allowing rest breaks between steps

Using mouth props or supports if helpful

Encouraging hand signals to pause at any moment

Providing noise-cancelling headphones or other sensory aids

Empowering Patients Through Trust

A key part of helping patients with Tourette’s feel comfortable is building trust. That starts with:

Validating their experience without judgment

Listening carefully to concerns and preferences

Being flexible with treatment plans and techniques

Creating predictability to reduce fear and surprise

Over time, a consistent and respectful relationship with the dental team can turn dental visits from a source of anxiety into a routine part of wellness care.

Supporting Family and Caregivers

If you’re supporting someone with Tourette Syndrome at the dentist, you can help by:

Preparing them in advance with what to expect

Sharing calming routines or communication strategies with the dental team

Attending appointments to provide emotional support

Helping to reinforce positive associations with dental care

Every Patient Deserves Comfortable, Compassionate Care

At McLevin Dental Clinic, we believe every patient—regardless of their condition or medical background—deserves care that feels safe, personalized, and respectful. For individuals with Tourette Syndrome, a supportive environment can make all the difference in maintaining good oral health without fear or discomfort.