To maintain the overall well-being, oral health plays a vital role. A pediatric dentist always follows a unique approach in understanding the kids, especially the children with special needs. A family dentist always shows patience and can deal with special techniques to overcome behavioral, emotional, developmental, and physical challenges. The studies clearly show that 14.4 percent of patients with disabilities do not receive proper dental care.
Children with special needs should also access proper and high-quality oral care. The dental clinic ensures a supportive environment to address the unique requirements of the special children. Get to know the role of a pediatric dentist while handling special patients.
Pediatric dentist for special needs
A pediatric dentist is specialized and exclusively trained to provide special care to children with special needs. They have extensive experience handling all sorts of behavioral challenges and use effective communication skills to maintain a sensory-friendly atmosphere in the dental clinic. Almost 76.5 percent of Turkish children had dental caries, but dentists observe preventive resources. These professionals work with healthcare providers to offer comprehensive treatment tailored to the child’s needs.
Importance of special needs dentistry
Children with special needs usually face challenges in maintaining dental care. The conditions of special needs involve autism spectrum disorder, developmental disability, sensory processing disorder, or Down syndrome. Such children are unable to face difficulties and maintain oral care. It makes dental visits challenging.
Special children are at an increased risk of developing oral issues such as periodontitis, gum disease, and tooth decay. Without proper care and specialized attention, these issues can lead to complications such as gum infection, chronic pain, or tooth loss. So, special needs dentists are trained to manage and identify the dental needs of special children.
Common issues in children with special needs
Special children need a professional dentist to cater to their special needs. They must get premium oral care with less anxiety and stress. The dentists are well equipped to handle children’s fears and recognize the triggers to eliminate future dental concerns. So following are the common issues that need immediate dental clinic care.
- Tooth decay or gum disease
It is the most common oral issue among children with developmental disabilities. It occurs due to poor oral cleaning and maintenance. It can also be a side effect of medications to treat seizures.
- Enamel Hypoplasia
This condition is found among children with hearing defects, intellectual disabilities, and cerebral palsy. Children may get yellow, white, or brown stains on the teeth with pits or chipped enamel. It may lead to tooth decay.
- Misaligned teeth
Malocclusion or crowded teeth occurs in children with mental disabilities. In this condition, it is difficult to keep the teeth clean and there is an increased risk of dental caries or periodontal diseases.
Positive pediatric visit for children with special needs
Visits to a pediatric dentist can be daunting for children with special needs. But a good family dentist always makes sure to book an appointment with extra planning and complete preparation. A successful visit is only possible if a dentist will follow up with simple measures.
- Dental care and Sensory sensitivities
Children on the autism spectrum usually have heightened sensory sensitivities. Loud noises, bright lights, and unfamiliar voices may terrify them. So pediatric dentists must follow up with specialized techniques to minimize sensory triggers. The techniques involve gradual exposure, desensitization, or positive reinforcement to make children familiar with the dental environment.
- Child with Visual impairment
The visually impaired child demands more time and specific accommodations during their visit to the dentist. However, special 3D models can help to feel and understand what will happen in the mouth and how it can be. Sometimes hands-on instruction proves to be the best method to manage oral hygiene and provide guidance as a step-by-step follow-up for oral hygiene.
- Deaf or hard-hearing child
The 3D models at the best dental clinic assist the deaf or hard-hearing child. Even illustrations assist in guiding the child during the teeth-cleaning process. Yes, communication proves to be the biggest challenge when dealing with a deaf or hard-hearing child. So parents can help the kid’s dentist and behave as interpreters to ensure clear understanding between the child and dentist.
- Physical accommodation
There may be some children who use wheelchairs or walkers, so make sure the child must pass all necessary doors to get to the pediatric dentist. Help the child to get into the dental chair for proper examination or cleaning process. However, some of the dental procedures may take place while the child sits in a wheelchair.
- Behavioral Techniques for Special Kids
A positive and welcoming atmosphere is necessary during the dental visit. This encourages the child and enables them to behave positively before and after the appointment. Small and simple playing gestures such as stickers, color pads with colors, or hand-held games reinforce positive behavior. However, compliments or even small rewards encourage kids.
Sometimes distraction techniques are required to divert the attention of the child especially when they are feeling overwhelmed. Engaging kids in conversation, or calming music diverts their attention and eliminates stress.
Follow home care routine
Once the tooth erupts, a good dentist always advises to start the infant’s oral care routine at home. Make sure the kid brushes the teeth twice with a good and soft toothbrush and also floss daily. Get a good fluoride toothpaste for brushing.
Do serve the child with nutritious meals and avoid giving them sugary or starchy food items. This prevents the kid’s teeth from decaying or cavities. Healthy snacks in the house and enough water intake are necessary to upkeep the teeth’ condition.
Conclusion
Visiting a pediatric dentist as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts is equally important for children with special needs. Good dentists are well-equipped to evaluate the child’s dental development and advise appropriate home oral care routines. But to avail an ample opportunity for good dental health is necessary.
If you are in search of a good pediatric dentist, visit Lycian Dental Clinic, where we ensure that children with special needs get specialized oral care. Our professionals at the clinic improve oral outcomes and help to get the best possible care.
