Smiles for Every Child: Navigating Dental Care for Kids with Special Needs

Everyone’s dental needs are unique, but if your child has a mental or physical disability, they might need some extra help with taking care of their smile. Oftentimes, they face challenges that can’t necessarily be addressed by simply telling them, “Remember to brush your teeth!” With compassion, patience, and some help from your pediatric dentist in Wylie, you and your kiddo can effectively navigate their special smile needs.

Dental Care Challenges for Children with Special Needs

Whether it be due to medications or sensory sensitivities, children with special needs sometimes experience dental care challenges that are a bit different than what you or their peers might deal with. It’s important to understand these challenges so you and your pediatric dentist can help your child work around them. Here are a few examples:

• Medications can dry out your child’s mouth, increasing their risk of cavities.
• Limited mobility might make it harder for your child to apply pressure while brushing their teeth, and can also create difficulties with chewing or swallowing.
• Diet needs – soft, carb-heavy foods contribute to accelerated bacteria growth, so if this is your child’s main diet, they could benefit from some extra dental protection.
• Sensory sensitivities can make brushing and flossing overwhelming or uncomfortable for some children.
• Frequent medical or psychiatric appointments might take precedence over dental visits, making it challenging to find time to visit your pediatric dentist.
• Anxiety – if your child dreads their dental appointments, ask your pediatric dentist whether dental sedation would help them feel more at ease.

Oral Issues to Watch Out For

Depending on your child’s special dental needs, they may be at a higher risk for certain oral issues. You and your pediatric dentist should watch out for:

• Cavities. If your child struggles to clean their teeth thoroughly,cavities could become a frequent problem.
• Gum disease. This tends to be more common for kids who can’t tolerate traditional floss.
• Enamel damage. Does your child grind or clench their teeth? Or do they have a bad nail-biting habit? Then they could experience enamel damage as a result.
• Delayed or impaired oral development. Some children with special needs have delayed tooth or jaw development, making it difficult to chew or speak efficiently.

How Your Pediatric Dentist Can Help

Pediatric dentists are trained to help children with special needs (and their caregivers!) identify oral health challenges and find effective solutions. If your child is prone to cavities, they can provide fluoride treatment. For kids with sensory issues, they can recommend gentler, less overwhelming products like floss picks and water flossers. A customized nightguard benefits those who grind or clench their teeth, and with careful monitoring, your pediatric dentist can catch developmental impairments and plan for corrective measures.

Truly, pediatric dentists can help care for the smiles of every child!

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson is a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 20 years of experience. He’s passionate about helping every child take care of their oral health and have a positive experience at the office. If your child has special needs, rest assured, Dr. Pearson will work with you and your kiddo closely to ensure their needs are addressed! To contact his office for an appointment, call 972-429-7070.