Each child is special in their own way, but those who have specific challenges can require extra supervision, care giving, and assistance. They may not meet the same milestones as other kids, but in many ways, they are just like other kids their age. Kids with special needs can be a loving light to others when they show their joyful smile. However, to keep that light shining, you need to make sure their oral hygiene and care are a priority.
What Oral Health Issues Are Kids with Special Needs Like to Experience?
Because basic hygiene, especially brushing and flossing, require sustained, consistent cleaning, the following are common issues for kids with special needs. Most kids, whether healthy or living with special needs, get cavities at some point before the age of 18, but those with special needs are more prone than others. Depending on their condition(s) and severity, gum disease, teeth grinding, biting nails and the inside of their mouths, and mouth breathing can also become teeth-harming habits to contend with.
What Makes Oral Health So Hard for Kids with Special Needs Kids?
With a variety of different special needs, including medical or physical as well as developmental, this broad group can find this essential wellness task hard to manage, especially on their own. As a parent, you will probably need to help them for a while until they build habits they can more easily handle.
Flexibility, Range of Motion, Motor Control
Multiple conditions can mess with a child’s physical ability to hold and brush their teeth on their own. Many of these kids find it frustrating that they can’t be more independent, but try to have your child do as much as they can. After they have a turn, go over areas they have missed with their toothbrush and compliment them on what they succeeded in.
Also, there are several products that can be helpful in this situation! These items can assist your child in holding the toothbrush, making flossing easier and faster and potentially allowing your child to be a little more independent. With time, therapy, and practice, your child can feel proud to carry oral hygiene on their own.
Focus and Learning Challenges
Mental or developmental special needs can be difficult because your child might be physically capable of cleaning their teeth, but they may lack the skills to stay still for two whole minutes. They may like the sensory feel of the toothbrush and end up biting down on the bristles, rendering them less effective. These kids may also be more likely to bite their nails or the inside of their cheeks or tongue, grind their teeth, and which can lead to additional tooth wear.
Not all kids will make significant progress in gaining independence, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to help them learn as much as you can. Remain patient with them and with yourself in the process. As challenging as taking care of kids with special needs can be, hold onto those precious moments when they smile. It warms the heart to see that even kids who may struggle with simple tasks can find joy and share their light.
About the Practice
As board-certified pediatric dentists, both Dr. Patrick Bowman and Dr. Kathleen Waguespack have received specialized training focused on helping patients with medical and developmental challenges. At our Denver office, we even have a Sensory Room, which is especially helpful for kids who are sensitive to touch and want stimulation. We work with occupational therapists in the area to make sure our practice is as inclusive as possible for kids of all abilities. If your special child needs care for their special needs, we will go the extra mile to welcome them and make their experience as enjoyable as possible. Reach out to us here or by phone at 720-647-6310 to talk to us about how we can help.