Good oral health is an essential part of any child’s overall well-being, but a little one with special needs can sometimes have a lot of trouble learning how to brush and floss properly. Luckily, there are a few measures a parent can take to help their child get into these crucial dental health habits. Here’s a brief guide to helping your child with special needs get on board with the hygiene practices that can help them enjoy a beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Start Dental Cleaning Early
Many children with special needs can be uncomfortable with hygiene practices, so it’s important to start getting them used to cleaning their teeth early. Dentists recommend starting to brush your child’s teeth as soon as they emerge and flossing as soon as the kid has two teeth next to one another.
While you may find that your child has trouble with a finger brush, you may be able to help them get used to oral cleanings by giving them a clean, wet washcloth and moving it around their mouth as they chew on it. Afterward, give them water to drink since they may not be able to rinse and spit yet.
Model Excellent Oral Hygiene
Small children all want to imitate and win the approval of adults, so making brushing and flossing a family affair can help your little one with special needs become comfortable with oral hygiene and learn its importance. You can help your child get on board with dental hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing with them every morning and night. Some parents report that giving their child a toothbrush to chew can help them get used to the tool being in their mouths so they can eventually work their way up to proper brushing practices.
Bring Your Child to the Dentist’s Office
The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child for their first dental appointment when the first teeth begin to emerge or by their first birthday, and many dentists are specially trained to administer oral health services to children and adults with special needs. In some cases, this involves using sedation dentistry treatments such as nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) to help a child sit calmly through a dental procedure.
Children with special needs can keep their smiles healthy and beautiful if they practice proper oral hygiene. Consulting with your child’s dentist can help you find the best ways to teach your little one to clean their teeth properly.
About the Author
Dr. Durga Devarakonda graduated from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2011 and is passionate about helping her patients achieve healthier and more beautiful smiles. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association, and her Carrollton office offers general, restorative, cosmetic, emergency, and special needs dentistry for children and adults. To book your child with special needs for a dental appointment, contact the office online or dial (972) 236-7906.