The Importance Of Oral Health For Children With Special Needs

If you have a child with special needs, their oral health may not be your primary concern, but it’s still a very important part of their overall health. 

Poor oral hygiene and health can have long-lasting effects on your child’s health, so it’s very important to provide them with the oral care they need for a healthy mouth. Learn more in this blog from Green Leaf Dental below, and see how you can prioritize your child’s oral health in Seattle. 

Why Do Children With Special Needs Often Have Bad Teeth?

There are a lot of factors that go into this. Some kids may have a lot of fear and anxiety about going to the dentist, particularly those who may have sensory issues or cognitive impairments. This can lead to a lot of difficulties getting regular teeth cleanings and six month oral exams from a pediatric dentist.

Kids with special needs and disabilities may also not be able to clean their teeth on their own, or may not be able to use the proper techniques for a deep clean. In some cases, purchasing toothbrushes designed for people with special needs can help with this.

Children with special needs may also have impairments to proper communication, and may be unable to tell a caretaker or parent about an issue like a sore tooth that may indicate a cavity, so the problem may go untreated and unnoticed if they do not see a dentist regularly. 

What Types Of Services Are Offered To Help My Kid With Special Needs?

At Green Leaf Dentistry, Dr. Yoni provide a comprehensive suite of kids dental services to kids of every age, including special needs children. We prioritize and emphasize our special needs patients, and can develop a customized treatment plan that will help your child get the care they need in a safe, friendly, and comfortable environment. 

From six-month teeth cleanings and oral exams to preventive care like fluoride treatments and dental sealants, and restorative treatments like fillings, root canals, and dental crowns, we do it all, and we use the latest techniques to provide expert care to kids with special needs.

We even offer dental sedation, which can be helpful for some kids who may have trouble seeing the dentist due to physical or cognitive impairments.

What Can I Do At Home To Keep Their Teeth Healthy?

Just like any other person, a child with special needs must maintain proper oral hygiene. Whether your child can perform these tasks on their own or needs the help of a caretaker, you should:

• Brush twice a day – Brushing once in the morning and once at night is the most effective way to fight back against cavities.
  
• Floss once per day – Flossing removes food particles that can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
  
• Maintain a healthy diet – A diet low in sugar and high in healthy foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy dairy products is good for your child’s overall health, as well as their oral health.
  

Get The Help You Need For Your Child At Green Leaf Dental

If you’re the parent or guardian of a special needs child, Dr. Yoni is here to help. As experts in special needs dentistry in Seattle they can work with you and your child to develop a customized treatment plan that will safeguard your child’s oral health. Give us a call at (206) 316-2351 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at Green Leaf Dental today.