Pediatric Dentistry for Special Needs Children: How It Can Improve Their Oral Health

Pediatric dental care ensures that a child will have healthy and attractive teeth. The treatments increase their chances of healthy and beautiful smiles in the future too. Kids with special needs require adequate dental care due to the challenges of their conditions. Read on to learn how pediatric dentistry at New Port Richey can improve your child’s oral health.

Who are Special Needs Children?

These are kids with developmental disabilities, physical limitations and behavioral or emotional conditions. They find learning or performing certain activities difficult. Special needs children include those with the following conditions:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Down syndrome
• Cancer
• Cerebral palsy
• Anxiety
• Congenital heart disease
• Intellectual disability
• Sickle cell diseases
• Cleft lip and palate
• Vision and hearing impairments
• Neurological disorders

Why Is Pediatric Dentistry Important for Special Needs Children?

Pediatric dentistry is essential for kids with special needs. They are at an increased risk for oral health issues. Below are common oral health challenges that affect kids with special needs. Taking your child to the pediatric dentist near you will help manage or prevent them.

1. 1. Tooth decay and gum diseases

Most special needs children suffer from tooth decay or gum disease. Some have impairments that affect their ability to brush or floss properly. Others take medications that increase the risk of decay and overgrowth of gums. In addition, some special needs children have specialized diets that lead to decay and gum disease.

1. 1. Enamel Hypoplasia

It is a condition that affects the tooth enamel making the tooth prone to cavities. The enamel thins and chips and acquires white spots or brownish-yellow stains. Enamel Hypoplasia commonly affects kids with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and hearing defects.

1. 1. Delayed tooth eruption

Kids with Down syndrome and other genetic conditions have delayed or inconsistent tooth eruption. Most do not develop their first primary tooth until two years of age.

1. 1. Dental defects

Special needs children are prone to tooth anomalies during developmental stages. As a result, their teeth deviate from the norm in size, shape, number, or arch form. Some kids develop extra teeth, while others have congenitally missing teeth.

1. 1. Bruxism

Kids with severe intellectual abilities and conditions like cerebral palsy suffer from bruxism. As a result, they grind or clench their teeth frequently. This causes the enamel to wear down, resulting in decay and gingivitis. Kids with bruxism may complain of headaches, tooth sensitivity and difficulty chewing food.

How Can Pediatric Dentistry Improve Oral Health for Special Needs Children?

Taking your child to a dental office near you with dentists who treat special needs kids is crucial. Some pediatric dentists specialize in treating children with special needs. They can help improve their oral health in several ways. The experts offer treatments that will enhance your child’s oral health.

They help prevent oral health problems like caries, gum disease and tooth loss. For example, the dentist in New Port Richey offers dental cleanings, fluoride treatments and dental sealants. The dentists also help correct dental anomalies making the child’s smile attractive. For example, they may use braces to correct dental misalignments.

In addition, they provide resources for parents and caregivers. For instance, dentists educate them on the best ways to offer at-home oral hygiene. They advise parents on a proper diet that promotes healthy teeth and gums. They also teach the kids easy techniques to clean their mouths for better oral hygiene.

Finally, pediatric dentistry can help children with special needs in a dental emergency. For example, the kids usually suffer from seizures, poor muscle coordination, and abnormal reflexes. These conditions cause many dental injuries, some requiring emergency dental treatment. In such a case, taking your child to a pediatric dentist improves their oral health.

Conclusion

Your special needs child requires regular pediatric dental care for excellent oral health. However, getting them to cooperate with the dental team can be challenging. That is why you need safe and compassionate dental care for your special needs child.

Are you searching for a pediatric dental clinic that caters to children with special needs? Then schedule an appointment at Dental Arts New Port Richey. Dr. Mitul Patel and the team have excellent training and experience in caring for kids of all abilities. So contact us today to improve your child’s oral health and provide them with a better future.