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.

Continuing Education Lectures of the Richmond County Dental Society

 

A graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry in Manhattan, Glenn J. Marie, DDS, has served as the owner and principal pediatric dentist at Dentistry for Children since 1990. Engaged in a number of professional associations, Glenn J. Marie, DDS, holds active membership in the Second District Dental Society of New York and its Richmond County Dental Society.

The Branch Society of the Second District Dental Society of New York, the Richmond County Dental Society offers regular lectures that present professional information that is both up to date and relevant to the dental practices of its members. Each of these lectures typically earns attendees one mandatory continuing education credit.

Recent Richmond County Dental Society lectures include Complex Bone Grafting for Predictable Implant Placement by Staten Island University Hospital attending physician Mark Stein and Take It on the Run, Baby - Substance Abuse and Its Clinical Dental Considerations by certified consultant pharmacist Thomas Viola. On October 18, 2016, the Richmond County Dental Society presented a comprehensive lecture on the pros and cons of digital dental impressions.

The Second District Dental Society of New York

Pediatric dentist Glenn J. Marie, DDS takes care of his young patients at his private clinic in Staten Island, New York. At Dentistry for Children, he helps children learn good oral hygiene habits to keep them healthy for life. Glenn J. Marie, DDS is a member of both the Second District Dental Society and its partner organization the Richmond County Dental Society.

The Second District Dental Society of New York is a network of dedicated dental professionals working in the Brooklyn and Staten Island communities. Created nearly 150 years ago, the organization has helped to shape and improve dental care in New York.

In New York, dentist must complete 60 hours of continuing education and professional development before they can renew their license. The Second District Society offers a wide array of qualifying resources to their members, allowing them to study together. The Society offers full and half day courses, as well as special classes in risk management, CPR, and more.

The Great Kills Nationals

At Dentistry for Children on Staten Island, New York, owner and dentist Glenn J. Marie, DDS, helps children maintain good oral health in a safe, friendly environment. Active in causes benefiting young people, Glenn J. Marie, DDS, has sponsored Little League teams in his area.

In Staten Island’s Great Kills community, Great Kills Little League teams give boys and girls their first exposure to baseball and softball. The league has more than a dozen teams, providing opportunities for teamwork, growth, and character building at every skill level.

The Great Kills Nationals team, comprised of the region’s most talented 11-year-old players, has earned its way into the Little League national championship playoffs once again. The team dominated state-level competitions as 10-year-olds last year and is on track to take home the state crown once again. In an impressive show of talent, the young athletes scored six runs in one inning and had an additional three-run inning later in the game.

The Nationals, excited about their impressive performance, will continue on to the Little League championship games, where they hope to bring home the trophy a second year running.

Dentistry for Children, Young Adults, and Those with Special Needs

Martial Arts Contributes to a Healthier Lifestyle

Glenn J. Marie, DDS, graduated from New York College of Dentistry in 1987. He earned a BA at Wagner College in 1983 and was captain of the rugby team. He currently is the owner of Dentistry for Children in Staten Island, New York. Glenn J. Marie, DDS, enjoys karate as one of his hobbies.

Martial arts, a high-aerobic workout involving each muscle group, improves strength, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, and stamina. Martial arts workouts contribute to many health benefits, including burning more calories in each class. One may find herself eating less because the body's natural eating signals can improve.

There has been research that shows evidence of cardiovascular health being improved by participating in activities that increase heart rate, including martial arts. Research also has led to the conclusion that engaging in a regular exercise routine is an efficient way to improve one's overall mood. This is because endorphins are released during physical activity and stay active in the body up to four hours after a workout.