Balancing the requirements for a child with special needs comes with some challenges. Since medical issues frequently are the priority, dental care is often neglected. As a result, children with physical, developmental, behavioral, and emotional disabilities are vulnerable to certain oral health conditions. Luckily, that’s where special needs dentistry comes in!
Common Oral Health Issues for Children with Special Needs
Children with Down syndrome, neurological disorders, impaired vision, and other special conditions may have limitations when it comes to dental care. This combined with potential complications (like delayed tooth eruption, poor alignment, and teeth grinding) leaves them more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why a solid prevention plan is paramount.
3 Important Pillars of Prevention
When it comes to your child’s teeth and gums, prevention is key. Below are the three pillars of oral care that will help keep their smile decay and infection-free:
- Following a solid at-home dental care routine – Even before your child has teeth, they should have a dental care regimen. In the early stages, wipe their gums down with a clean, damp washcloth. Once their teeth have emerged, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food particles, plaque, and other debris. Make sure to ask about the type and amount of toothpaste, especially if your child can’t rinse or gags easily. As they get more teeth, you can introduce flossing and rinsing with mouthwash.
- Implementing a well-balanced diet – Many parents often forget just how important a balanced diet is when it comes to oral health. Foods that are high in sugar create an enamel-eroding acid when they interact with the bacteria in your child’s mouth, leaving them vulnerable to dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Therefore, do your best to keep healthy snacks in the house and fill their diet with vitamin-rich, nutrient-dense foods.
- Finding a dentist – Your child’s bi-yearly visits to the dentist should begin around their first birthday. This will allow their dentist to monitor their development, catch dental problems in the early stages, and clean the hard-to-reach areas of their mouth. If you’re unsure what to expect, don’t hesitate to call their team beforehand. That way, you can discuss your child’s specific needs and accommodations, as well as how to best prepare for the appointment.
Your child’s dentist is one of their greatest allies when it comes to keeping their teeth and gums in good shape. So, don’t hesitate to work closely with them throughout the years. That way, the above common oral health problems can be avoided entirely!
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is united behind one important mission: to provide children with the compassionate, thorough, enjoyable dental care they deserve. To accomplish this, we provide a wide range of services in-house, from essential preventive care to smile-saving restorative services. Plus, we offer sedation dentistry if your child needs a little extra help staying comfortable and relaxed in the treatment chair. If you’d like to learn more about special needs dentistry or you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 781-767-7200.