Dental Care for Special Needs Children
There’s a lot involved when it comes to caring for a child with special needs. In the midst of all the responsibilities that need to be addressed, good dental care can sometimes fall fairly low on the list. However, not only is good dental care vital for all children, but special needs children are significantly more likely to face untreated dental issues that can cause greater complications down the line.
To ensure your special needs child can preserve their healthy teeth, it is important to be proactive about their dental health. While each child’s needs are unique, with the right tools, techniques, and support, your child will have a greater chance of protecting their teeth into adulthood and beyond.
Finding the Right Dentist
It is important for children to see the dentist by the time they reach their first birthday, and this is especially true for special needs children. As such, it is vital to know what to look for in a dentist.
Many pediatric and general dentists have the training and experience to address the unique dental care requirements of a child with special needs, but it is important when choosing your dentist to verify this beforehand. Whether your child requires a certain type of environment, a particular approach, or specific methods for performing dental procedures, you will need a dentist who can handle any such requirements. The dentist and their staff will be able to tell you what services they offer and what their office is equipped to handle.
Many pediatric and general dentists have the training and experience to address the unique dental care requirements of a child with special needs, but it is important when choosing your dentist to verify this beforehand. Whether your child requires a certain type of environment, a particular approach, or specific methods for performing dental procedures, you will need a dentist who can handle any such requirements. The dentist and their staff will be able to tell you what services they offer and what their office is equipped to handle.
It is recommended when bringing your child to a new dentist for the first time, that you allow the visit to be about the dentist getting to know your child, and your child becoming comfortable with the dentist and the environment. Patience and careful attention are essential qualities in any dentist treating a special needs child, regardless of the nature of their condition.
Establishing Good At-Home Care
Your child’s condition may dictate what kind of at-home care they need on a regular basis. The dentist will help you to identify potential complications and educate you on what role you must play in their dental care, as well as signs of potential oral health problems.
Establishing a reliable dental routine you can stick to is key to ensuring that their dental needs are met. Consult with the dentist on when to begin using fluoride toothpaste and how much to use. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet with nutritious natural food and limited sugars and starches, which will minimize the risk of tooth decay.
Having a dentist you can rely on to help and support you as you care for your child’s teeth can make a world of difference for you and your child. Dr. Susan Bracker works with special needs children of all ages and is happy to welcome your child to her Rochester practice. For more information, contact our office today.