Dental Hygiene and Children with Special Needs

As a pediatric dentist on New York's Staten Island, Glenn J. Marie, DDS, draws on more than 25 years of practice experience. Glenn J. Marie, DDS, serves a diverse group of patients, which includes children with autism, Down syndrome, and other special needs.

Children with special needs have a higher likelihood than their typically developing peers to have cavities and other oral health issues. This may be due to atypically formed teeth, which accumulate plaque and debris more easily, though it may also stem from an increased intake of sugar due to medications or special feeding regimens. In addition, if the child has a tendency toward uncontrolled movement, his or her oral tissue may be prone to trauma.

Proper brushing goes a long way toward preventing these problems, yet many children with special needs have trouble maintaining a brushing regimen. For some children, the issue is emotional, and a distraction can make the process easier. For others, the act of holding a toothbrush poses the biggest problem. Placing the toothbrush in a bicycle handle or other soft, spongy holder may remedy the matter.

Likewise, if a child has trouble with flossing, a Waterpik® may be an effective alternative. Many parents of children with special needs also find that the use of wipes or rinses containing xylitol (a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener) can be an extra preventive step.

Parents of children with special needs must also take care when choosing a dental office. It is important to select a dentist who has experience caring for children with special needs and to start visits early, so that the child becomes accustomed to the process. Some families also find that rehearsing the dental visit at home in a play setting can help to prepare the child, though it rarely hurts to have a comfort object on hand during the visit.

Information for Parents about Children's Dental Care

Glenn J. Marie, DDS, is a pediatric dentist who provides oral care to children, young adults, and individuals with special needs. His dental practice, Dentistry for Children, has served the Staten Island area since 1990. As a pediatric dentist, Glenn J. Marie, DDS, possesses special training to provide dental treatment specific to younger patients.

How are pediatric dentists different from general dentists?

Just as a pediatrician differs from a general internist who provides primary care to adults, pediatric dentists differ from general family dentists. Pediatric dentists generally acquire two to three years of specialty training in the oral health treatment of children. 

When should a child first visit a pediatric dentist?

Because dental problems may start early, children should visit a pediatric dentist after the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the child’s first birthday. The dentist can ensure that the child’s teeth are developing correctly and recommend preventative care. Visiting the dentist as an infant will also help the child establish a dental home early in life. 

After the first visit, a child should visit the dentist about once every six months. Even though a child’s baby teeth are temporary, it is important to take care of them because problems with baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly. A pediatric dentist can help ensure a strong dental platform and avoid significant orthodontic treatment in the future.

What oral health problems more commonly occur in children?

Some behaviors and habits common in children can impact the development of their teeth. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when a baby’s teeth come into frequent contact with sugars that mix with bacteria in the mouth to produce acids, resulting in tooth decay. Tongue thrusting, lip sucking, and thumb sucking may also impact tooth development by exerting undue pressure on the front teeth, which can create an overbite over time. Through behavioral modification, all of these oral problems are preventable.