If you have a child with special needs, their health is likely at the forefront of your mind. However, you may not have positioned dental care at the top of your priority list. Still, it’s essential for children to become familiar with oral health best practices, so they can protect their smiles and prevent the tooth decay. Use the following overview to help your little one learn the importance of dental care.

Doing Your Research

Before speaking to your child about dental care, it’s crucial to know how their circumstances may affect their oral health. For example, Down Syndrome has been linked to delays in tooth eruption. Talk to a dentist about potential issues so they can keep an eye out for them as your child grows. You should also look into the medications your little one is taking to see if they have side effects that affect oral health, such as dry mouth.

Teaching Your Special Needs Child

When talking to your child about their dental care, remind them that what they eat and drink is just as important as the way they take care of their teeth. Get them into the habit of eating healthy meals and keep sugary treats to a minimum. When you do treat your child to dessert or junk food, encourage them to brush their teeth immediately afterward.

If your special needs child is dealing with behavioral disabilities, teaching them about the importance of oral health could be a challenge. However, by offering incentives or rewards for keeping up with dental care, you can encourage them to protect their smiles. You should also find a dentist who specializes in treating special needs children, as they’ll know how to talk to your little one in a gentle and convincing manner. They can also teach you how to educate your child in dental care best practices.

If you’re looking for a dentistry practice that caters to children with special needs, get in touch with Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage. They will help your child get into the habit of eating healthy meals and brushing twice a day. To set up an appointment with Dr. Chris Coplin, call (907) 274-2525. You can also learn more about their dental care services by visiting their website.