As a parent of a child with special needs in Flemington, NJ, you have enough to worry about without adding dental care to the mix. However, proper dental care is essential for ALL children, regardless of any challenges they may face. Here’s what you need to know about dental treatment for special needs children.
Preventative Care is Key
The best way to protect your child’s teeth is through preventative care. This means regular brushing and flossing at home, as well as routine checkups and cleanings with a dentist or hygienist. These checkups are important because they allow your pediatric dentist in Flemington, NJ to catch any problems early before they become more serious.
If your child has trouble brushing his or her teeth due to physical or developmental limitations, there are products available that can help make the process easier. For instance, electric toothbrushes can be easier for some children to use than manual toothbrushes. In addition, special aids such as grips and straps can be added to toothbrushes to make them easier for children with limited dexterity to hold onto. Your pediatric dentist at Floss Boss can help you find the products that will work best for your child.
Fluoride Treatments are Important, Too
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, fluoride treatments are also important for preventing cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments can be done at home (via fluoride-containing toothpaste or mouthwash) or at the dentist’s office (via fluoride gels or varnishes). Again, your Floss Boss pediatric dentist can help you determine which option is best for your child.
Dental sealants are another preventive measure that can be taken to protect your child’s teeth. Sealants are thin layers of plastic that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). Sealants act as barriers, preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck in these hard-to-clean areas and causing cavities.
Don’t Ignore Dental Pain!
Many parents of children with special needs assume that their child cannot feel pain in his or her teeth. This is not true! All children feel pain when they have cavities, and ignoring this pain can lead to serious health problems down the road. If your child is experiencing dental pain, it is important to take him or her to see a dentist right away so that the problem can be addressed.
Proper dental care is essential for all children, including those with special needs. Through preventative measures such as regular brushing and flossing, fluoride treatments, and sealants, you can help protect your child’s teeth from cavities and other problems. And if your child does experience dental pain, don’t ignore it! Take them to see a dentist right away so that the problem can be addressed before it becomes more serious.
Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry is a family-owned, state-of-the-art pediatric dental office that focuses on making your child comfortable during treatment, including sedation dentistry. If your child needs dental sealants, tooth extraction, or special needs dentistry, Dr. Sanghavi and her experienced team will always be there to relieve your child from dental pain and discomfort. If there is anything we can do to make you and your child more comfortable, please let us know and call us at (908) 495-6518. Rest assured your child will receive the best possible care for that beautiful smile.
