What Are Common Dental Problems for Special Needs Children?

As a parent of a child with special needs, it can feel like an exhausting feat trying to help them maintain a healthy smile. Fortunately, Dr. Melissa Rozas offers special needs dentistry in Coppell and knows what it takes to ensure a positive future for a child’s oral health. Read on to learn three ways you can minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease and keep their teeth and gums healthy as they grow.

Common Oral Health Problems Among Children with Special Needs

For children with physical, mental, and behavioral special needs, the risk for dental caries, gum disease, and tooth loss is much higher than for other children. As a parent, you understand how difficult it can be to practice good oral habits at home, maintain regular dental appointments, and prevent certain medications from wreaking havoc on their teeth and gums.

Children with Down syndrome and genetic disorders can also suffer from late tooth eruption, congenitally missing teeth, crowding, misalignment, and gum disease. Those with mental disabilities or cerebral palsy can experience worn tooth enamel at a higher rate because they’re prone to bruxism (teeth grinding). Depending on the medications your child needs, they might deal with dry mouth, causing them to be more susceptible to tooth decay, halitosis (bad breath), and an overgrowth of gum tissue which can lead to gum disease.

3 Ways to Safeguard Their Smiles

To minimize the potentially harmful effects brought on by these challenges, there are three things you can do as a parent to take charge of your child’s oral health and set them on the path to a healthier smile:

1. Be Consistent with At-Home Oral Habits: Establishing a routine will help your child to become familiar with morning and nighttime brushing and flossing rituals. Make sure you are wiping their gums until teeth erupt but switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush twice a day once the first few teeth come through. It’s important to ask a pediatric dentist in Coppell about incorporating toothpaste and/or mouthwash based on your child’s needs and abilities.
2. Provide Healthy Meals: No matter the special needs of your child, they are likely to want sugary or starchy foods. Unfortunately, these only worsen their chances of attaining a healthy smile. Talk to your child’s physician and/or dentist about which foods will be best for them, ensuring they consume nutrient-rich items that positively impact their teeth and gum health.
3. Find a Trusted Pediatric Dentist: Choosing a pediatric dentist who offers special needs dentistry will be one of the best decisions you can make, as they will serve as an ally. Dr. Rozas is well-trained in helping patients with various special needs and ready to make accommodations to ensure these children get the care and attention they need.

There are a lot of challenges regarding parenthood and raising a child with special needs, but oral hygiene doesn’t have to be one. Talk to a pediatric dentist about effective techniques and methods you can use at home to encourage better oral health and watch as your child becomes more comfortable taking care of their smile.

About the Author

Dr. Melissa Rozas earned her dental doctorate from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Rozas is a member of the American Dental Association and was president of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for two years. Schedule a special needs dentistry appointment to help your child’s smile on her website or call (972) 393-9779.