Dental Challenges That Are Common for Special Needs Children

As the child of a parent with special needs, you are well aware of some of the unique challenges they face. Some challenges may be unique to your child, while others may be challenges that are commonly experienced by many special needs children. Such is the case with some dental challenges. The more you know about the challenges they could face, the better prepared you will be to address them.

Malocclusion and Crowding

Malocclusion is the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth. Both malocclusion and crowding can impact tooth health. They may make it difficult to thoroughly clean the teeth which increases the risk of tooth decay. They can also exert uneven pressure on the teeth, putting them at greater risk of damage. Children who have craniofacial anomalies, muscular dystrophy, and other developmental disorders may be particularly affected.

Dental Anomalies and Changes in Tooth Eruption

Dental anomalies include things like malformed, missing, or extra teeth. These abnormal variations in tooth development can be due to spontaneous genetic mutations or may be inherited. Children with Down syndrome, a cleft lip or palate, or ectodermal dysplasia may more commonly experience dental anomalies.

Tooth eruptions typically follow a pattern, but special needs children who experience growth disturbances in tooth formation and development may experience early or late tooth eruption. Sometimes tooth eruption may be stagnant or erratic.

In both cases, proper oral hygiene may be more difficult. It will be especially important to see a dentist, and maybe an orthodontist as well. The x-rays they take will make it easier to track tooth growth and progress. These professionals will also be able to carefully evaluate the teeth to ensure they have the right spacing and alignment, making adjustments as needed.

Dental Trauma

Some special needs children may experience seizures, struggle with muscle coordination, or have some uncontrolled reflexes. These challenges may make the child more susceptible to experiencing dental trauma. Again, careful and considerate care given by well-trained dental professionals can go a long way towards keeping your child’s teeth in good repair and addressing injuries as needed.

Oral health is important for every child, whether or not they have special needs. That said, special needs children may experience greater difficulties in protecting the health of their teeth, gums, and mouth. Work with a dentist who knows how to help children with special needs so your child can get the care they deserve.

Do you have a child with special needs? Click here to learn more about the Maccaro Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry approach to special needs dentistry.