Getting kids to care for their teeth and carry out basic actions like cleaning and flossing can be challenging. It can be incredibly challenging when you have a kid with special needs. However, it is crucial to instill in your child excellent dental hygiene as it helps to prevent dental issues and maintains the health and beauty of their smile.
How to Help Your Special Needs Child Maintain Their Oral Health
Many parents find this to be difficult. However, the difficulty increases when it comes to kids who have special requirements. For children with unique challenges, consider the following dental hygiene advice:
- The earlier you start, the better: Starting a decent dental hygiene regimen at any age is a good idea. Integrating it into your child’s daily regimen will be simpler the earlier you start. Even before the kid erupts with their first tooth, you can start the dental hygiene routine when they are still infants. Wipe the baby’s lips with a washcloth or a special toothbrush. Start using an infant toothbrush when the child receives their first tooth. You can begin by using baby toothpaste or just pure water.
- Early on, take your child with special needs to the pediatric dentist: You should introduce them to the dentist even after teaching them about at-home dental care. Beginning at a young age will normalize trips to the dentist and could prevent or reduce a child’s dental anxiety as they age. Finding any dental issues requiring treatment is a crucial additional reason to take your kid to the dentist. Your child can have the most incredible shot at healthy oral development by beginning treatment early.
- Be patient and take your time: If the kid has sensory issues typical of autistic children, you should approach dental hygiene gradually. Both you and the kid will experience less anxiety as a result. When you believe the child is ready, gently brush their cheeks, move on to their lips, and lastly, their teeth. You might not be able to brush the child’s teeth precisely. Any brushing is preferable to none.
- Speak to a sedation dentist with expertise in treating infants with special needs: Your child’s orthodontist needs to be aware of the child’s circumstances. The dentist should collaborate with you and your kid to safeguard your child’s dental health without jeopardizing their emotional health.
If your infant lacks the skill to use a toothbrush, you can give it a hairbrush handle. Make cleaning your teeth a more enjoyable experience as an additional option. If your kid doesn’t do their daily dental routine, try playing music or putting up amusing pictures around the restroom to get their attention.
The Pediatric Dentists at Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry Can Help You and Your Child
Finding a dentist who can see your kid every time he visits the office and has some experience with special needs patients is also essential. When facing a terrifying circumstance, it can be beneficial to see a familiar face. The pediatric dentists at Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry are very experienced with treating patients with special needs and are knowledgeable about a variety of methods that can be used to calm your child. We want your kid to appreciate themselves while visiting our office. Call (832) 271-6114 to arrange an appointment straight away!
