As a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, your child may face major dental care issues. This is because certain medications and medical conditions may compromise the health of a child’s teeth. If your child has a physical or developmental disability, maintaining good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can be challenging.
It is extremely important that your child maintains good dental health. Having healthy teeth contributes to the overall health of your child. Parents and caregivers of a children with special needs may be questioning where they should start. As with any child, we recommend finding a dentist that you and your child are comfortable with as early as possible. This will eliminate stress for both of you. Once you select a dentist, provide them with any information about your child at the first visit. This allows the dentist to provide individualized care based on your child’s needs.
Once you have selected a dentist that you are both comfortable with, prepare your child for their first visit. Going to a new place can be a bit scary for anyone. It will help minimize stress if you stay positive and prepare your child prior to their appointment. As the parent, you can be more prepared by talking to the dentist or dental office staff about what to expect before each visit.
Care does not stop at the dentist. It is also very important that good dental hygiene habits are formed at home. Your child may require extra help when taking care of his or her teeth. Work with your child every night to help them become more comfortable with brushing and flossing. If you are having trouble, ask their dentist for recommendations when working with your child on dental hygiene.
Making dental hygiene a priority for your child is easily one of the best ways to help keep your child happy and healthy. At Touchette Regional Hospital, we understand that every child is unique and needs an individualized dental health plan. The Special Needs Dental Program works with families to discover the options that work best for the child’s disability with the least amount of emotional stress. Our team is experienced in serving children with different disabilities. To learn more about our services and who we treat, visit our special needs dentistry services page.