Special Needs Children at Greater Risk of Oral Disease

According to an article published in the May/June 2010 issue of General Dentistry, special needs children have a greater chance of developing oral diseases. Nearly 17 percent of children in the nation were categorized as being special needs because of behavioral issues, cognitive disorders, developmental disorders, systemic diseases and genetic disorders.

Special needs children require exceptional care in order to maintain their overall health and well-being. Parents of these youngsters must pay close attention to their kid's oral hygiene, as this is only one of the additional health challenges. It is imperative that the dental health care regime matches the standard schedule for childhood dental care, meaning that a first tooth of a special needs child should get the same type if attention worthy of anyone's first tooth.

Children who take medication, are underweight or require unique dietary needs should have their teeth closely monitored. Special needs children who are required to take prescription are often given syrups, instead of pills, to swallow. Parents must remember not to give a prescription right before bedtime as the sugar from the prescription may pool overnight. Saliva production automatically slows down as we sleep and a lack of this digestive fluid will allow for sugars to sit, bacteria to flourish and can risk the chances of your child developing tooth decay.

Parents concerned about the side effects of the prescriptions should either give the child their medication before brushing their teeth in preparation for bed. If not, encouraging your child to drink some clean water is the simplest way to automatically reduce the quantity of sugar left behind.

Parents of special needs children may also be in the position of having to brush the teeth of their offspring. One suggestion for tackling this matter is brushing your kids teeth from behind to better mimic the process of brushing your own teeth. If you are still struggling to meet the oral health obligations of your child, visiting a professional dentist may provide you with more direction.