Trying to balance all the requirements of a child with special needs is immensely challenging for a lot of parents. In most cases, dental care is usually not a top priority due to the other pressing issues that require more time and resources. However, it is immensely crucial that you keep a close eye on your child’s oral health, as poor oral hygiene has been proven to be directly linked to poor overall health outcomes as well.
In this light, besides proper oral care habits and routine checkups and cleanings with your special needs dentist here at South Miami Pediatric Dental Associates in South Miami, FL, Dr. Mario Martinez, Dr. Rebecca Lenard, or Dr. Danielle Fernandez, here are some handy tips to approach your child’s dental care.
Common Oral Health Conditions in Children with Special Needs
Genetic disorders, like Down syndrome, could result in delays, including teeth eruption. Kids with this disorder might likewise have congenitally missing or additional or malformed teeth. Misalignment and crowding, in general, could leave these kids more susceptible to decay and gum disease since their teeth are hard to clean. Also, kids with cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities may refuse dental care or grind their teeth habitually, causing premature enamel wear and tear.
Gum disease and tooth decay could also be due to connective tissue disorders and an immunocompromised system. Further, medications for children typically contain lots of sugar, which can result in dry mouth, a risk factor for cavities. And don’t forget that these children will become adults one day, so it’s better to get start them off young with proper oral hygiene.
Working with a Special Needs Dentist in South Miami
People with special needs require oral care treatments just like everyone else. However, they’ll benefit more and be more cooperative with a dentist who’s had ample training and caters to people like them with unique challenges. When searching for a special needs dentist in South Miami, FL, you must find one who understands all the variety of challenges that special needs people face and knows how to accommodate those needs in the least stressful way possible.
Your special needs dentist could assess your kid’s specific challenges and needs to help you develop the most effective and suitable oral hygiene and treatment plan for your child. By working with a competent and experienced special needs dentist, you can implement a preventive dentistry plan to help avoid potential oral health problems, and treat existing ones before they become more difficult to manage.
Reach Out to Us to Learn More About Our Dental Services for People with Special Needs
Call (305) 666-2068 to arrange a consultation with one of our special needs dentist, Dr. Mario Martinez, Dr. Rebecca Lenard, or Dr. Danielle Fernandez, here at South Miami Pediatric Dental Associates in South Miami, FL, today.