Q: Do special children have special dental needs?A: Most do. Some special children are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Others require medication or diet detrimental to dental health.
Still other children have physical difficulty with effective dental habits at home. The good news is, dental disease is preventable. If dental care is started early and followed conscientiously, every child can enjoy a healthy smile.
Q: How can I prevent dental problems for my special child?
A: A first dental visit by the first birthday will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health. The paediatric dentist will take a full medical history, gently examine your child's teeth and gums, then plan preventive care designed for your child's needs.
Q: Will preventive dentistry benefit my child?
A: Yes! Your child will benefit from the preventive approach recommended for all children- effective brushing and flossing, adequate fluoride and moderation in snacking on sweets, .
Home care takes just minutes a day and prevents needless dental problems. Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are also very beneficial. Sealants can prevent tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of molars where four out of five cavities occur.
Q: Are paediatric dentists prepared to care for special children?
A: Absolutely. Paediatric dentists have two or more years of advanced training beyond dental school. Their education as specialists focuses on care for children with special needs. In addition, paediatric dental offices are designed to be physically accessible for special patients.
Paediatric dentists, because of their expertise, are often the clinicians of choice for the dental care of adults with special needs as well.
Q: Will my child need special care during dental treatment?
A: Some children need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable during dental treatment. Restraint or mild sedation may benefit your special child. If a child needs extensive treatment, the paediatric dentist may provide care at a local hospital.
Your paediatric dentist has a comprehensive education in behaviour management, sedation and anesthesia techniques. He or she will select a technique based on the specific health needs of your child, then discuss the benefits, limits and risks of that technique with you.
Posts
Same with special education in schools, dentists take a different approach in taking care of special children's teeth. Due to the symptoms of their condition, their oral sensitivity, and their diet restrictions, their teeth are easy to decay and their gums to bleed. So dentists should be more focused when tending to their needs, but should do so in a friendly and comfortable manner.
ReplyDeleteWilliams Schermer
Thanks for the comment! Ken
ReplyDelete