Children with special needs are those who have some disability, which can be sensory or cognitive challenges; there, etc. Dental care with such kids can be challenging not only for them but also for their caregivers. North Central Phoenix has many dental care services that ensure the patient remains comfortable during their visit. 

Dentists show deep compassion and understanding towards such patients. There are many different challenges that children with special needs face. Some may not have legs and find it difficult to go anywhere; some may have them, but they might not be functional. 

Now, in this case, getting them to the dental office can be a difficult task. Once they get to the dental office, making them seated in the chair can be a challenge. Therefore, in order for them to have a good experience, these things need to be taken care of. 

A dentist in North Central Phoenix, AZ can ensure that the patient has a comfortable experience so that they would want to come again for any oral health problems they may face. 

What are the common oral health issues that children with special needs face? 

Children with special needs can find it challenging to hold a brush or have good oral hygiene practices in their routine, all of which have an impact on their oral health. Let us discuss some of the common oral health issues faced by children with special needs:  

• Erosion of tooth enamel:

Since these children may have developmental disabilities, they might clench their teeth often, which can lead to the gradual breakdown of tooth enamel. The person may also suffer from chronic jaw pain. Tooth sensitivity is another problem seen in such children. If such issues are not treated on time, they can lead to long-term problems and become severe with time. 

• Tooth decay can be observed:

Children with special needs can experience severe tooth decay as their teeth may be crowded or not formed properly. Furthermore, their disability can also make it hard for them to have proper oral hygiene practices. They may find it challenging to follow a routine and stick to it every day.

• Gingivitis or gum diseases:

There are some medications that can lead to dry mouth, and gums can be inflamed as a result. This kind of thing can lead to gum diseases. 

• Having damaged teeth:

Children who have physical disabilities or cerebral palsy can find it challenging to keep their balance. If they fall, they can suffer facial trauma. This is only going to bring an increase in dental damage. 

What are the challenges these children face in accessing dental care?

Finding the right dentist for special needs children can be a challenging task. There needs to be a different dental approach to help children with unique needs. Therefore, finding the right dentist can be difficult. 

While such children face many problems, it is essential that they reach out to a dentist on time. Delaying the treatment can have an adverse impact on the patient’s oral health. Let us look at some of the challenges faced by these children:

• Dental procedures can be frightening for children, and they may not be able to communicate their fear or anxiety properly. 
• It can be challenging to carry out dental procedures knowing that they can have mobility issues and they may have to make use of wheelchairs. Some children are also sensitive to lights and sounds.
• Specific behavioral issues, such as anxiety or hyperactivity, can be seen among such children as well. 
• Children with special needs are also going to need different medications during the procedure and before and after that. 

Seek professional help!

As parents, it becomes your responsibility to take care of the needs of your child. You need to make sure that they receive dental care on time and are able to get the services from the right dentist. You can do a little background check when selecting a dentist for your child. This will help you choose the right dentist.