Unique Oral Health Needs Of Children With Special Needs

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A smile can light up any room, but for children with special needs, maintaining that smile can be a challenge. They may have conditions or developmental barriers that impact their oral health. They may have trouble sitting still long enough for a pediatric dental exam in South Plainfield, NJ, for example. Recognizing these potential obstacles is the first step in ensuring children with special needs keep their smiles.

Common Oral Health Challenges

Children with special needs can have both developmental and behavioral challenges that can impact oral hygiene, such as:

  • Delayed tooth eruption—Some genetic conditions may lead to a delay or malformation in tooth eruption. Children may have extra teeth or be missing some.
  • Misalignments—Some issues, such as defects in craniofacial development, can increase the likelihood of misalignments. Misalignments in teeth can make eating or speaking difficult.
  • Enamel Hypoplasia—Thin or absent enamel
  • Bruxism—Grinding of the teeth that can lead to enamel wear
  • Sensory sensitivity—This can make sitting in the dentist’s chair difficult
  • Physical limitations—Tremors and limited dexterity can interfere with oral hygiene.

This is just a short list of challenges some children face when it comes to taking care of their teeth.

Finding Tailored Solutions at Pediatrics On Park

Your special needs dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can collaborate with parents, patients, and caregivers to find solutions to these challenges. They will emphasize the importance of prevention strategies and establishing consistent oral hygiene routines.

We can help improve communication at home and provide information on adaptive tools that can supply solutions to these challenges, such as:

  • Adaptive toothbrushes—An electric toothbrush and a water flosser might help address some issues. There are also toothbrushes with special grips.
  • Flashcards—These can provide step-by-step instructions for brushing and flossing.

For children who struggle with visits to the dentist, we offer sedation options. Sedation dentistry uses medication to ease anxiety during dental cleanings and procedures. Call today to speak with a pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, to learn more about special needs dentistry.

4 Good Tooth Brushing Habits to Teach Your Child

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Kids learn important lessons from their parents. If you’re a parent, one of the great life lessons you can teach your child is how to brush their teeth. Good tooth brushing habits help set your child up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

The pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can show your child how to brush their teeth, but as a parent, you’re in a unique position to give your child daily tooth brushing advice. Not sure what to tell your child? We can help.

1. Time How Long You Brush

Children and adults should brush their teeth for two minutes each time. This is important because brushing for too long can damage your child’s gums.

You can help your child with this by giving them a plastic two minute sand timer. If your child uses an electric toothbrush, choose a model that times their tooth brushing session and shuts off after two minutes.

2. Use the Right Toothbrush

A good toothbrush will have soft bristles that are gentle on your child’s teeth. The toothbrush your child uses should also be an appropriate size for their age. Toothbrushes are only good for three months. Make a point of helping your child choose a new toothbrush four times a year.

3. Brush All Quadrants

Imagine your child’s teeth are divided into quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left). Show your child how to brush each quadrant for equal lengths of time. Help your child reach the teeth in the far back where the toothbrush may not reach well.

4. Don’t Brush Too Hard

It’s important not to push hard when brushing. Pushing too hard can erode your child’s tooth enamel and may cause gum recession. Show your child how to brush their teeth gently.

Need help? Ask the dentist to show your child how to brush their teeth during their next pediatric dental exam in South Plainfield, NJ. Patient education makes a big difference in how kids care for their teeth. At Pediatrics on Park, we’re here to help your child establish healthy tooth brushing habits.

How Screen Time And Diet Are Affecting Children’s Oral Health

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In today’s world, children have access to many glowing screens that shape their world, including what they eat. While screen time and poor diet might seem inconsequential to oral health as long as they brush and see their pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, they can cause a cascade of dental problems.

Screen Time and Oral Health

Extended screen time can impact medical and dental health in numerous ways, starting with snacking.

Snacking

The more time you spend in front of the screen, the stronger your desire to snack may be. The solution is twofold.

First, break the habit of having something to eat in front of the screen. When you provide your kids with a snack, make them eat it at the dinner table without a screen nearby.

Second, if stopping snacking in front of a screen is problematic, provide them with healthy alternatives in small portions such as whole fruit or nuts. These foods scrap teeth as they bite down, helping to improve their oral health.

Poor Hydration

Kids engrossed in a TV show or playing a video game may not hydrate properly. Poor hydration leads to dry mouth, and saliva plays a critical role in removing debris and bacteria from the mouth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Children watching a screen while they brush may not give it the focus it deserves. They may also be less inclined to brush and floss regularly.

More Serious Oral Health Issues

Excessive screen time can lead to developmental issues with facial muscles and speech. It can also trigger bruxism or teeth grinding. When a child’s focus is so intense on the screen, they may tighten their jaws.

If you have questions about setting screen time limits for your kids, talk to your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, for insight.

How to Protect Your Child’s Teeth from Sweet Treats

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Sugar is a primary cause of childhood cavities. Still, it’s not practical to think you can eliminate all sugar from your child’s life. The key is to find a healthy balance. Along with a balanced diet, there are ways you can protect your kids’ teeth when they do have sugar and minimize the risk of decay.

Eliminate the Obvious Culprits

Removing all the sugar from your child’s diet might not be possible, but you can eliminate some of the foods that tend to cause cavities. Sugary drinks like soda or juice are good examples. Encourage your child to drink water as much as possible. This will flush any sugar they do get from their mouth.

Smart Timing

Time their sugary drinks or treats with a meal. The mouth will produce more saliva during a meal when they are eating a variety of foods, as opposed to just having a sweet treat. The saliva will also help flush the sugar from their mouths.

Make Snacks Crunchy, Not Just Sweet

Certain foods can satisfy that sweet tooth and clean it at the same time. Choose crunchy fruits and vegetables for snacks, like a raw apple or carrot. When they bite down, they scrape their teeth, helping to clean them.

Partner With Your Pediatric Dentist

Think of your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, as your partner in your child’s oral health strategy. First and foremost, see the dentist regularly. That allows our dental team to examine your child’s teeth and fix any problems like cavities early.

Also, talk to the dentist about treatments that help protect the teeth from sugar. Finally, the dentist and hygienist can help ensure your child is brushing and flossing correctly to keep their teeth at their best, even if they have the occasional sugary treat.

If you have questions about protecting your child against sugar, call your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, today.

5 Tips for Brushing Your Baby’sTeeth

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Brushing your baby’s teeth is one of the most important things you can do to care for their dental health. Your child’s pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can show you how to brush their teeth. In this article, we’ll go over some of the advice we give to parents to help them brush their child’s teeth.

1. Use the Right Size Toothbrush

Use a toothbrush that’s sized for your child. The right-sized toothbrush will have a head that fits in your child’s mouth and can be manipulated around their small teeth. Many toothbrushes for children have age ranges. Choose a toothbrush that’s in the appropriate age range for your child.

2. Time Yourself

Kids should have their teeth brushed for two minutes at a time, just like adults. If your child doesn’t have the patience to tolerate brushing their teeth for two minutes, time yourself with each brushing. Increase the time you spend brushing teeth gradually until your child tolerates two-minute toothbrushing sessions.

3. Make It Fun

Toothbrushing can be fun. Make toothbrushing a positive experience for your child by singing to them, talking to them, or telling them stories while you brush their teeth.

4. Use Baby Toothpaste

Baby toothpaste is formulated for babies. If you’re not sure which type of baby toothpaste to use for your child, talk to your child’s dentist for recommendations.

5. Get a Tutorial from the Dentist

Ask your child’s dentist to show you how to brush their teeth. The professionals at pediatric teeth cleaning in South Plainfield, NJ, can help. Call today to make an appointment for your child.