special health needs – kidstoothhotline

Questions To Ask

These questions are a first step. As your conversation progresses you will most probably add to this list as you get more of a sense of the office (or offices) you speak with, as well as discussing your child’s specific medical concerns and needs.

Does this office have experience treating children (tweens, teenagers, young adults) with special health needs? intellectual disability? developmental disability?

My child has this specific medical concern, or disability. Is your office familiar with this condition?

Does your office offer tours before the first appointment? Are your Doctors available to introduce themselves to me and my child?

What techniques does your office use to help children with special needs feel comfortable?

What is your office’s approach for working with patients who resist treatment?

Would you be open to discussing behavior and communication strategies that your office uses?

Does your office provide a low stimulation environment and treatment room?

Does your office provide any comfort devices?

Do you provide distractions? or can I bring them with us to appointments?

Is your office willing to or able to devote extra time for procedures?

Does your office offer any additional supportive services if necessary?

Can I stay with my child in the treatment room? and during all procedures?

Referral Sources

3 main resources for you to speak with are those who are familiar with what you are going through,

Your primary care Pediatrician or Family Physician,

Your child’s medical (or surgical) specialists,

Support groups and/or organizations you belong to.

An additional resource for you is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The AAPD has a membership list pediatric dentists and their contact information, which you can search by your specific location.

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Your Get To Know Me Visit

Scheduling a let’s meet and get to know each other visit is a good first step. This way you and your child have an opportunity to see and get a feel of the new environment and the dental team. Feeling comfortable and knowing what to expect on the day of your child’s appointment is priceless.

It's So Much Fun When We Come To The Playground — It’s So Much Fun When We Come To The Playground

Finding the right office to skillfully address your child’s dental needs and help to teach you how to take care of your child’s oral health can be difficult. We hope these tips will help, because when you find that particular dentist you’ll want to stay with them for forever.

Do you have a child or loved one you care for who has special health needs? Are you on the journey to find that dental office who fits your needs? Have you found the office who understands your child’s needs? Tell us how you’re doing. We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

In the Know for You to Know

It can be a challenge for a parent to teach their child they need to brush their teeth. But it is possible to make tooth brushing a positive experience for both you and your child.

When To Do This

From day 1 make dental health a priority at home. Start by building a consistent and regular daily routine.

As a parent you may be dealing with your child’s multiple and significant medical needs. Feeding issues and medicines need to be taken into consideration.

Yes, starting when they are newborns and infants wipe their mouths with a wet wash cloth after feedings and medicines. You can continue to do this into their baby stage and when they are toddlers. It is very helpful for you if they don’t take bottles to bed or use sippy cups, especially when they are filled with sugary drinks.

Introducing Your Child To Flossing And Brushing

As your child grows they need more assistance and practice in taking care of their teeth. When you’re looking for tooth brushes remember that small brushes and soft bristles are best.

Your child may have Autism and have sensory issues which can make flossing and brushing teeth difficult because the sensation can be uncomfortable at first.

Your child may be a Sensory Seeker or a Sensory Avoider,

Start with the basics – Practice opening their mouth as wide as they can so Mommy or Daddy (or Mom or Dad) can look inside.

You can start by holding the tooth brush with your child, then touch the smooth side of the brush to the back of their hand and then the brush bristles to the back of their hand. Once they are comfortable use the tooth brush to touch your child’s lips then choose one tooth to touch, then another, and another….

For flossing the hand held flossers are great. They come in lots of fun colors. It’s really helpful to introduce them by putting your child’s fingers together (only have to keep them touching) and sliding the floss between each of their fingers. We know that when we floss our own teeth this feels like a “pop,” so when showing finger flossing actually say the word “pop.” Now you can sing the “pop-pop” song. This way they’re focusing on your voice and not so much on what you are doing. Introduce flossing into their mouths the same way as for the tooth brush.

Mom and Dad you can also sing songs like “This is the Way We Brush Our Teeth” to make sure you keep your child’s attention and you spend the 2 Minutes 2X’s a Day brushing their teeth.

For Sensory Seeking children consider using an electric tooth brush to provide that additional mouth feel.

If your child is a Sensory Avoider, their reluctance may be because of the feel of the brush, the taste/texture of the tooth paste, or a combination of factors. You may be using the wet wash cloth longer than you thought you would be. When you introduce the tooth brush remember to use a small one (don’t mind the age on the package) with soft bristles. You may need to work up to using tooth paste, so don’t worry if there isn’t any paste on the wet brush or cloth. There are some unflavored pastes that may be helpful, and remember when you do use it you only need a dab on the brush, and the paste should contain fluoride.

While we mostly brush teeth in the bathroom, you can do this in another area of your home where your child feels comfortable. Make sure to have everything with you within arms reach.

Standing up to floss and brush is also optional, sitting in a good chair is an alternative.

When the flossing and brushing is finished your child can either spit into a wash cloth or the bathroom sink, or you can wipe their mouth with a wash cloth.