{"id":99,"date":"2021-11-10T21:31:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-10T21:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dfwpediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=99"},"modified":"2022-07-15T21:00:29","modified_gmt":"2022-07-15T21:00:29","slug":"an-oral-hygiene-guide-for-children-with-special-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dfwpediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/11\/10\/an-oral-hygiene-guide-for-children-with-special-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"An Oral Hygiene Guide for Children with Special Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Most parents know how difficult it can be to get children to stay on top of their dental care. However, it\u2019s even more challenging for parents with special needs children. Because they may not be able to care for their teeth independently, their parents or caregivers must always be there to assist them. Some children even experience severe anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist! Luckily, there are many ways you can help your little ones maintain good oral health. Read along to learn a few tips!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Choose a Good Toothbrush<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some children dislike brushing and flossing their teeth because they hate the feeling of a toothbrush. If that\u2019s the case with your little one, you should try several different brushes until you find the right one. It can make all the difference in your child\u2019s oral hygiene routine! But what if you can\u2019t seem to find a toothbrush that works? You can always use a clean, wet washcloth instead. Allow your child to chew on it for a few minutes twice a day, and move it around their mouth to ensure all the teeth are scrubbed clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establish a Daily Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you find a method of teeth cleaning that works for your little one, make sure you stick to it every morning and evening. It\u2019s crucial to make these oral hygiene practices a ritual. Skipping even one morning could make your child uncooperative the next time you try to clean their teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find an Experienced Dentist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not every dental office is equipped for children with special needs<\/a>. Some aren\u2019t wheelchair accessible or have a harsh sensory environment. For that reason, you should do your research beforehand to find a dentist with plenty of experience working with all types of children. They\u2019re more than happy to make any accommodations necessary to ensure your child has the best dental experience possible! If needed, you can ask for referrals from other families within the special needs community or your child\u2019s therapy team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make Checkups a Fun Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The key to making your child more willing to attend their routine checkups is by making dental visits a fun experience. There are a few ways you can accomplish that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n