Teaching proper oral hygiene to a child with special needs can be quite a challenging task. In many cases, a child’s dental care will fall behind more pressing medical issues, and some children have sensory challenges that can make it difficult to establish a proper oral hygiene routine. This can make certain dental issues more common in children with special needs. Here are a few oral health problems children with disabilities are more likely to experience and a few tips for dealing with them.
Irregular Tooth Eruption
The way in which the teeth erupt during the developmental years can have significant long-term consequences for a person’s oral health. Children with genetic disorders may experience delays in tooth eruption that can last for up to two years, and they are more likely to have malformed, extra, or congenitally missing teeth. This can lead to alignment issues such as crowding or crooked teeth that are harder to clean and easier to injure, leaving these children more vulnerable to oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease.
Teeth Grinding
Some children with autism or cerebral palsy grind their teeth. Teeth grinding can happen during waking hours, usually as a stress response, or involuntarily during sleep, and it can lead to dental injuries such as chips, cracks, and fractures that make children more vulnerable to oral infections and further dental injuries. It can also lead to flat teeth, making it harder to bite and chew food. This may be treatable with a mouthguard, but ask your pediatric dentist if this is appropriate.
How Can I Keep My Child’s Teeth Healthy?
One of the best ways to prevent oral problems like tooth decay and gum disease is to limit the amount of sugary or starchy food your child receives. The simple carbohydrates these foods contain are the perfect fuel for the multiplication of the harmful oral bacteria that cause these nasty oral infections. By giving your child healthy snacks and plenty of water, you can help their teeth stay in great shape.
Another great way to help your child’s smile stay in great shape is to take them to see their pediatric dentist regularly. This will allow a professional eye to monitor their oral health and make qualified recommendations as to how to treat any issues that arise.
About the Author
Dr. Sage Yoo earned his dental degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston and is certified through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the College of Pediatric Dentists. His office in Allen, TX, offers pediatric general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about protecting the smile of your child with special needs, contact his office online or dial (469) 663-0098.