If your child has autism, a developmental delay or a disability, you know that brushing, flossing, and dentist visits can be challenging. Yet, oral hygiene is crucial, especially because studies show special needs children are more likely than typical kids to have cavities and other dental problems.
If your child has special needs, here are 10 ways you can keep his or her teeth healthy at home and make dentist visits stress-free.
1. Make brushing easy
For kids who need help brushing, put the toothbrush in a bicycle handle. Brushing should always be supervised, and if floss doesn’t work, use a water pick. If your child bites, place gauze on the back teeth and then brush.
2. Keep it fun
The earlier brushing becomes a pleasant experience, the easier it will be to make it a habit, America's Tooth Fairy. Try to brush when your kid is most cooperative, and distract him or her with music or something pleasant.
3. Start early
Your child’s first visit to the dentist should be a positive experience, so be sure to get there by age 1 or when the first teeth erupt.
4. Find a good dentist
Most pediatric dentists work with special needs kids, but it’s important to find one who is patient, will take time to explain everything to your child, and work with you to make sure your child is comfortable. If you get a compassionate doctor, it will be a great experience.
5. Call ahead
When you make a dentist’s appointment, provide the staff with information about your child and his specific needs. A heads-up can allow them to set up the office and make sure extra staff will be on hand to help. If your child cannot sit in the chair, the dentist can also find an alternative.
6. Do paperwork beforehand
Ask the office to send all of the paperwork ahead of time, and bring a copy of your insurance card with you so you can save time and give your child the attention he or she needs.
7. Bring a comfort object
Kids don’t know what to expect at the first dentist visit, so bring a favorite blanket, toy, or toothbrush so they’re not afraid.
8. Prepare
Talk to your child about what to expect at the dentist – from the chair that tilts back to the tools the dentist uses. You can also prepare by putting your child in your lap and brushing his or her teeth. They get used to the feeling of someone else touching their mouths and hovering over their heads. It’s a scary feeling unless you’re used to it.
9. Use the right words
Ask the dentist beforehand what words and phrases you should teach your child so if the dentist says, “open your mouth,” he or she knows what to do.
10. Wipes, gels, and rinses
young children who used xylitol wipes were significantly less likely to develop cavities. If you have to administer your child’s medication at night and you’ve already brushed his or her teeth, wipe the mouth clean. Also, ask the dentist about an antimicrobial rinse or custom trays with peroxide gel, two methods that can help prevent cavities and gum disease too.
WHY KIDS WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS MAY BE AT RISK FOR ORAL DISEASE
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines special health care needs as “developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs.” When kiddos have special health care needs, they have a higher risk of developing oral diseases ranging from gum disease to cavities. Since children’s dental health is so closely tied to their overall health, preventing and promptly treating any issues is extremely important. So, why the increased risk of dental problems?
- Some medications, especially when taken daily for a chronic condition, can cause dry mouth or the overgrowth of gum tissue, both of which are no good for oral health. Additionally, flavored medications often contain sugar.
- Muscle issues, problems with fine motor skills and other physical limitations can make brushing, flossing and sitting in a dentist’s chair for an exam challenge.
- For patients on special diets that are high in carbohydrates, the starches can sit on the teeth for too long causing tooth decay as the acid-producing bacteria in the mouth love to chow down on carbohydrates.
- Parents may be overwhelmed with other doctors’ appointments and the cost of care, so dental health takes a back seat.
- Sensory or oral defensiveness means that for some special needs kids brushing teeth is unpleasant.
- Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, can cause the teeth to erupt later than usual or lead to extra, missing or misaligned teeth, eventually resulting in gum disease, uneven wear and tooth decay.
- Children with an impaired immune system are more susceptible to oral disease.
- Some conditions make children prone to grinding their teeth, which wears down the enamel.
- Sensory seeking kids or those with attention difficulties who crave constant movement, may find brushing their teeth and flossing incredibly boring and hard to commit to.
TIPS TO IMPROVE THE DENTAL HEALTH OF KIDS WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS
Now that we’ve addressed why children with special health care needs are at a higher risk for gum disease, tooth decay and other dental health issues, you’re probably wondering what to do about it. Here are some suggestions for promoting oral health:
Regular Dental Visits
- Find a pediatric dentist you trust with experience in treating children with special health care needs. A fun, welcoming, accessible office is always a plus. A specialist in pediatric dentistry will have training in different behavioral techniques (tell-show-do, distraction, positive reinforcement, etc.) as well as in other options that can make treatment more comfortable and safer, such as protective stabilization and sedation.
- Having a dental “home” is important. Your provider will learn about your child’s health and dental history and their preferences and needs so visits will be a breeze and an appropriate home care routine can be developed. It allows your little one to get comfortable with the office, the staff, the doctor and exams. Since pediatric dentists are used to a wide range of reactions from their patients, don’t stress yourself unnecessarily worrying if your child will scream, squirm or act out in some way because we’ve seen it all and we know how to handle the situation with compassion and composure.
- Check out our post on helping kids overcome a fear of the dentist. The suggestions, which run the gamut from playing pretend to read books about dental visits, are effective for a lot of children regardless of their health care needs.
- Bring your child’s favorite toy or object with you to their dental appointments to help ease anxiety.
- Visit the dentist a few times before actually scheduling any procedures so it becomes a familiar environment. You might even want to take your child with you to your dental appointments.
- Focus on prevention. Be sure to ask your dentist about the steps you can take to ward off tooth decay and gum disease, particularly if your child takes medication with oral side effects, follows a special diet or has habits like teeth grinding. Sealants can be a great option for reducing the risk of cavities. Topical fluoride treatments or mouth rinses might also be beneficial. In some cases, more frequent trips to the dentist will be necessary.
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment.