Back

Children with Special Needs

Children having special health care needs may face behavioral issues, developmental disorders, cognitive disorders, genetic disorders and systemic diseases.

It is challenging to maintain good oral health for a child with special health care needs, eating special diets, frequent use of medicine and lack of proper oral hygiene. By the time these children are 12 months old, they should have a ‘dental clinic' that will allow a dentist to administer preventive care and educate parents about good oral health habits tailored to fit their child's needs.

For example, some parents may not know that special diets for children with below-average weight or unique food allergies can unintentionally promote tooth decay. Underweight children may be directed to consume drinks containing high amounts of carbohydrates, which can cause demineralization of teeth. Medications can also be a source of concern. Because children often find it difficult to swallow pills, many of their medicines may utilize flavored, sugary syrups. When parents or guardians give these syrups to a child, especially at bedtime, the sugars can pool around the child's teeth and gums, promoting decay.

Children should continue with the diet and medications as directed by their physician, but a dentist may recommend more frequent applications of fluoridated toothpaste and mouthrinse and rinsing with water to decrease the risk of decay.

Additionally, adults will need to help children who lack the dexterity to brush their own teeth. When brushing a child's teeth, it may be helpful for caregivers to approach their child from behind the head, which will provide caregivers with good visibility and allow them to control the movement of both the child's head and the toothbrush. This approach is especially helpful with wheelchair-bound children.

Taking children with special health care needs to the dentist is as important as caring for their other medical needs. A dentist who understands a child's medical history and special needs can provide preventive and routine oral care, reducing the likelihood that the child will develop otherwise preventable oral diseases.