Protect your special needs child’s oral health with a great at-home routine and a skilled dentist.

Kids with special needs sometimes have unique dental needs. Limited motor skills can make brushing and flossing tricky. Medications with dry mouth side effects and even dietary supplements can also increase the risk of tooth decay. For these reasons, parents and their children can really benefit from a tailored approach to dental care.

Here are 8 ways parents can help their kids achieve optimal oral health and keep their smiles looking beautiful.

1. Find a knowledgeable pediatric dentist that you and your child will enjoy visiting.

The right dentist can make a world of difference when it comes to your child’s experience. Kids with special needs will benefit most from seeing a dedicated pediatric dentist rather than a general or family dentist. A pediatric dentist has additional training in kids’ dental care as well as working with kids with special needs.

A practice like We Make Kids Smile is a place that you can make your child’s dental home, from infancy right up until their 18th birthday. We strive to make kids, as well as their parents, feel welcomed and comfortable.

2. Introduce brushing and flossing as soon as baby teeth begin to appear.

Dental care should begin once you notice your child’s baby teeth are erupting. You can begin by using a clean damp rag to wipe their gums and graduate to an infant toothbrush as more teeth arrive. Flossing can also start once your child has two teeth touching.

An early and consistent at-home dental care routine is the key to getting kids of all abilities accustomed to keeping their teeth clean. Follow the 2×2 rule of brushing twice a day for two minutes. Don’t forget to book your child’s first dental checkup by their first birthday as well!

3. Experiment with different types of toothbrushes to find one that works.

Toothbrushes for kids come in a wide range of really fun options. Traditional toothbrushes with a small, soft-bristled head are what you’ll usually find in stores, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg for what’s available.

Auto toothbrushes and powered toothbrushes allow kids to get a clean smile without needing fine motor control. Collis curve toothbrushes, three-sided toothbrushes, and adaptive handles can also be wonderful solutions for kids who want to brush their teeth independently.

4. Practice examinations and common phrases a dentist says before visits.

Going to the dentist can feel very overwhelming, especially if it’s been six months or more since your child’s last visit. An effective—and fun!—way of helping your child feel more comfortable and prepared for their upcoming visit is to play dentist at home.

Practice giving your child an oral exam and gently touch their gums, lips, and mouth area. Use phrases they’re likely to hear their dentist say, such as “open wide” accompanied by holding their mouth open for a few moments. Take turns being the patient and the dentist.

5. Look into alternative oral care products, like oral rinses and xylitol wipes.

Toothbrushes and floss aren’t the only options available for keeping your child’s teeth clean. If those tools aren’t able to be used, you can look into alternative options, such as fluoride oral rinses, xylitol wipes, and gentle dental cleaning wipes. Finger toothbrushes and fluoride or xylitol gel can also be a helpful combination.

We recommend speaking with your child’s pediatric dentist about alternative options, as not all are created equal. Together, we can find a routine with products that work with your child’s unique needs.

6. Focus snacks and meals around nutritious, whole foods and minimal sugar.

Diet is a very important aspect of oral health and one that’s important to talk about if your child’s needs impact their daily nutritional intake. Sugar and starches can quickly lead to tooth decay and eventual gum disease. This includes what we quickly recognize as sugar, such as candy and desserts, but it also includes fruit juices, sports drinks, meal replacement beverages, and bread.

A smile-friendly diet is one that’s full of fresh, nutritious vegetables, fruits, and healthy protein sources. However, diet is also a very personal thing for kids and parents. We recommend parents reach out to a pediatric nutritionist experienced with special needs to find a dietary plan that supports overall health as well as oral health.

7. Make brushing and flossing fun by playing music or interactive videos.

Combining fun with distraction is an art that many parents find makes tasks like brushing teeth much more engaging for their kids. Try playing two minutes of music while your child is brushing their teeth. This can be much more lively and exciting than watching a sand timer.

Another idea is to hop onto YouTube and find a two-minute guided tooth-brushing video for kids. There are a number of interactive videos designed for kids to watch and listen to while brushing or flossing.

8. Keep a regular schedule of dental checkups, cleanings, and preventive care.

Once you’ve found a dentist you and your child love, the next thing is to plan out a schedule for routine checkups and cleanings. Every child is unique and some may benefit from more frequent checkups and cleanings, especially if they are currently battling tooth decay or pediatric gum disease. For kids who have optimal oral health, their dentist will usually like to see them every six months.

Great pediatric dentists have a strong focus on preventive care and can offer a number of cavity prevention options, such as topical fluoride treatments and dental sealants. These treatments are non-invasive and do a lot to help stop cavities from forming.

Book your special needs child’s next visit with the We Make Kids Smile team.

We Make Kids Smile is always accepting new patients with open arms. Our doctors have extensive training and experience in caring for children of all abilities.

If you’re looking for a dental home for your special needs child, we welcome you to schedule a consultation or “Happy Visit” to get to know us and our team.  You can schedule your child’s appointment today by calling our Waldorf or Prince Frederick offices. For booking during non-business hours, feel free to fill out this quick request form instead.