As any parent will attest, encouraging youngsters to take good care of their teeth is no easy task. If you have children with special needs, you know how difficult it can be to get them to do something as simple as brushing their teeth twice daily and flossing once.
Children with cognitive, developmental, emotional, physical, or medical challenges may experience higher fear or discomfort regarding dental care both at home and at the dentist. It takes compassion, understanding, and patience to meet their unique requirements.
If you’re unsure what to do, read the following guide and, should you have additional queries afterward, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at our local dental practice.
Tip 1: Encourage Healthy Oral Habits
Establishing a habit as early as possible is essential to maximize the benefits of good oral hygiene for your child. Establish a routine in which you brush and floss your teeth first thing in the morning, after eating sugary foods, and right before you go to bed.
Make it a point never to miss a day of treatment, as even skipping a single session will dramatically slow your child’s improvement. However, we are confident that your youngster will pick up the necessary skills to maintain good dental health with consistency and practice.
Tip 2: Brush and Floss Together
When you brush and floss your child’s teeth together, you will be able to monitor their development more efficiently and have the opportunity to demonstrate the correct technique to them.
After all, children take great delight in imitating their parents, so make the most of this trait by showing good dental hygiene practices for your child to follow. Once your child starts loving brushing, you can take them to a dentist in South Edmonton to develop a positive attitude towards oral care.
Tip 3: Develop a Habit of Healthy Eating
It’s not enough to wash your teeth and use dental floss to maintain good oral hygiene; you must also watch what you eat and limit your sugar intake. Keeping your consumption of sugary and starchy meals to a minimum will not only aid in preventing tooth decay but will also encourage the growth of teeth that are robust and healthy.
In addition to ensuring that your children brush their teeth after each meal, particularly after sugary snacks, you should urge them to drink a lot of water to flush the sugar out of their systems and prevent cavities. For further assistance, you can always visit a dentist near you and get a healthy food chart for your children.
Tip 4: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
It takes additional time and practice to provide dental care for children who have special needs. Children who have autism, for example, frequently experience sensory overload, which can make it incredibly difficult and sometimes painful for them to clean and floss their teeth.
Start the process by gently stroking your child’s lips or the inside of their mouth with a toothbrush. It will let them become accustomed to the sensation. It will assist them in becoming used to the sensation in a manner that does not come across as intrusive.
Tip 5: Consult a Pediatric Dental Professional
Keep in mind that not every dentist has the knowledge or resources necessary to meet the dental needs of children with special needs. As a result, this might pose a challenge to the development of your child’s smile or make treatment more difficult and time-consuming. Children with special needs often require additional care and attention.
The pediatric dentists at innovative pediatric dentistry in South Edmonton have the education, expertise, and aptitude to care for kids of any age with unique needs. Furthermore, they treat each child with the respect and dignity that the child deserves to have.
Visit us at Whitemud Dental Centre
Children with special needs may be more likely to experience anxiety regarding dental visits than the general population. Being excited about the holiday and making preparations in advance will help ease your nerves.
If you’re looking for trustworthy pediatric dentistry near you, please get in touch with our local dental office. Our team is here to help ease any anxiety you or your child may have about an upcoming dental appointment. We promise to be there for your kids every step of the way, no matter what they need.
