How to Prevent Dental Problems in Your Special Needs Child

Raising a child with special needs can be difficult. Certain medical issues are often seen as more urgent, and dental care falls by the wayside. Unfortunately, this can result in severe dental problems. Let’s talk more about special needs dentistry, and how important it is that your child receives the care they need.

Common Oral Conditions in Special Needs Children

Children with special needs are more susceptible to certain oral health issues, such as:

• Tooth eruption problems. Children with conditions like Down’s syndrome in particular may experience a delay in tooth eruption by up to 2 years. Teeth may have issues breaking through the mouth.
• Malocclusion. Also known as a poor fit between the upper and lower teeth, malocclusion is more common in people with developmental disabilities, particularly in people with cerebral palsy. Crowded or misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Developmental defects. Certain medications or infections in early childhood may result in lines, pits, or discoloration in the teeth. Teeth with defects are more prone to decay, gum disease, and problems with appearance.
• Bruxism. Habitually grinding teeth, or bruxism, occurs frequently in children with cerebral palsy or severe mental disabilities. Left untreated, bruxism can wear down enamel and cause sensitive teeth or flat biting surfaces.
• Gum disease. Periodontal, or gum, disease is a bacterial infection in the gums caused by poor oral hygiene, which is unfortunately common in special needs children. If your kid has an impaired immune system, they may be more at risk. Be sure to take sugar-free medicine when possible to reduce the risk of decay. Gum disease has been linked to several other health problems, so it’s important to lower the risk of contracting it.

How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth at Home

It’s important to start an oral hygiene regimen as soon as possible. You can even start it as soon as you come home from the hospital by wiping your infant’s gums with a wet gauze pad. Once their first teeth start coming in, brush them every day with a soft toothbrush. As soon as they have two teeth that touch each other, floss in between them. Don’t use fluoride toothpaste until your dentist says it’s okay, as swallowing fluoride could result in tooth discoloration. Keep sugary and starchy foods to a minimum. Be sure to save them for a mealtime, and brush their teeth afterwards to keep cavities at bay.

When to Visit a Dentist

The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist before the age of one. This is particularly important for special needs children to diagnose and treat potential oral health problems. During this first visit, your children’s dentist in far north Dallas can evaluate your little one’s dental health and help you create an oral hygiene regimen that works best for him or her.

Finding a dentist who is willing and able to work with your child is a must. Many dental problems can be avoided entirely by building a good relationship with your pediatric dentist.

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry has 11 different locations in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area to meet your needs wherever you are. Our general dentists and specialists have training and experience in helping patients of all ages with special needs. To contact our Spring Valley office, click here or call (972)-490-1600.