Do you have a child with special needs? If so, you understand the specific challenges that can come with oral hygiene. Whether it’s trying to encourage good brushing and flossing habits or even getting them to visit the dentist’s office for a regular checkup and cleaning, finding ways to keep their smile healthy can be difficult. Fortunately, a pediatric dentist is here to make things easier with these 3 tips you can use to improve their at-home oral hygiene routine.
Make Brushing and Flossing a Family Event
Instead of leaving your child to complete their oral hygiene routine on their own, make it a family event. This means bringing everyone into one space and completing the morning and nighttime routine together.
This can take some time to get used to, but once your child witnesses how seriously you take your oral hygiene, they will soon realize how important it is for them to do the same. If necessary, you can incorporate fun games and music if your child enjoys that. Also, letting them determine which type of toothbrush and floss is right for them will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Try Different Types of Toothpaste
Many children do not like the taste of certain types of toothpaste (i.e., mint). Fortunately, many companies now offer other flavors that can make brushing teeth easier and more enjoyable.
If your child struggles with a particular type of toothpaste, let them pick out a flavor they like. There are many different textures, colors, and flavors to choose from. By letting them pick one they prefer, they’ll be more likely to get excited about brushing their teeth, which will ultimately help keep harmful plaque from forming on their teeth and causing cavities to form.
Just be sure that it includes fluoride and use the proper amount. If they cannot spit, the size of a grain of rice is enough toothpaste; however, if they can spit, you can use a pea-sized amount.
Find a Dentist That Offers Special Needs Dentistry
While proper brushing and flossing at home are essential to the long-term health of your child’s smile, so are regular checkups and cleanings from a trusted professional.
Finding a pediatric dentist who offers special needs dentistry is one of the most effective and important ways to keep your child focused on the importance of good oral hygiene. Not only can they create a positive and friendly environment that promotes safety and comfort for your child, but they can also provide helpful tips and tools to make at-home oral hygiene easy and fun for everyone in your family.
Children with special needs deserve to enjoy life with healthy smiles. By finding the right tools and methods, you can make sure your little one’s teeth and gums remain cavity- and disease-free year-round.
About the Author
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Mira Albert leads a team of pediatric dentists who care about patients’ smiles. Offering special needs dentistry to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she works closely with parents to ensure each visit is a positive and enjoyable one. If you need help to keep your child’s oral health on track between appointments, contact us at (630) 504-2223.