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.

Should Your Child Be Using Mouthwash?

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As a parent, you always want to do what’s best for your child. One question your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, can help you with is if and when your child should be using mouthwash. But until then, let’s take a quick look.

Should Your Child Be Using Mouthwash?

Using mouthwash is a normal part of our daily lives, but that isn’t the case for all children. Whether or not your child should be using mouthwash will depend on their age and your pediatric dentist’s recommendation.

Your child’s dentist will perform routine pediatric dental exams in South Plainfield, NJ, to determine when your child should begin using mouthwash.

At What Age Should a Child Start Using Mouthwash?

In general, children under the age of six should not be using mouthwash. This is because young children don’t yet have a developed swallowing reflex, leaving them at risk of accidentally swallowing the mouthwash.

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 should be supervised while using mouthwash. After age 12, your child can safely incorporate mouthwash into their daily dental routine.

Three Ways Your Child Could Benefit from Using Mouthwash

There are many reasons your child should begin using mouthwash after the age of 12. Those reasons include cavity prevention, helping loosen food debris, and being able to rinse those hard-to-reach areas of their mouths. Therefore, you want to introduce them to mouthwash when they turn 12.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Pediatric Dentist in South Plainfield, NJ?

Introducing your child to the dentist and consistently scheduling dental appointments are the best things you can do for their overall health. Please Contact Pediatrics on Park today to schedule a visit. We have specialized experience dealing with children and know how to make their dental visits comfortable, inviting, and fun.