How should parents prepare a child for their first dentist visit? Children are susceptible to cavities, caries, and gum disease even before their first baby teeth erupt. Dentists can offer various dental services for child dental care, starting from infants, toddlers, children, teens, and preadolescents.
Regular kids’ oral health check can avoid side effects of illnesses such as toothache or gum swelling. Notably, a young family member with special needs must visit a pediatric dentist for professional treatment.
If you are a family that needs child dental care for patients with down syndrome, you may learn tips from experts and their suggestions. Go to Dental Excellence’s clinic located in Woden, ACT to get your child’s teeth checked.
Why Is Child Dental Care Essential?
Child dental care is one of the necessities for kids to prolong their life. A child without a proper oral hygiene routine may suffer from enamel decay and, eventually, tooth loss. If you are a parent that aims to prevent bacteria from destroying your kid’s health, guide their dental awareness.
Child dental care is essential beyond their mouth’s concern because it can also affect the heart, immune system, throat, and brain. Without oral hygiene, a child will experience diseases that will slow down tooth eruption and may even cause their missing teeth. Please support your child’s growth by managing both their health and dental routines.
Common Dental Health Problems For People With Down Syndrome
Dental problems for children are expected. However, it may be harder for people with down syndrome to manage their teeth and gums due to their body’s slow development. Child dental care needs a dentistry specialist to guide the growth of their teeth.
A pediatric dentist will provide necessary steps for caring about children with this chromosome disease. If you want to avoid oral care illnesses that can disrupt your child’s healthy life, here are some diseases to keep track of.
Dental Caries And Cavities
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 16.9% of children ages 5 to 19 have dental caries last December of 2019. The statistics show that cavities and dental caries are prevalent with numerous reasons that explain why. Caries and cavities start from food, activities, and external issues that destroy teeth and gums.
Large Tongue
Many doctors mention a number of cases of people with down syndrome having a large tongue. Macroglossia is common in children with birth disabilities due to a smaller jaw. A large tongue may also be the source of bacteria coming from external factors and into the mouth.
Sleep apnea also affects children with down syndrome. Many doctors mention that a large tongue also obstructs breathing, which directly impacts a person’s sleep. Surgery may be an option, but it is best to consult your doctor for risks.
Higher Risks Of Gum Disease
Health complications and gene problems can limit a person with a disability to have full protection against illnesses. As such, dental problems like gingivitis, periodontitis, lesions, and similar teeth and gum disease need high-quality dental care.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are very risky to a person’s health if their teeth and gums are neglected. You must visit your Burwood general dentist at Dental 266 to ensure that your son or daughter won’t suffer from the consequences of neglected dental health care.
Problems With Upper Or Lower Teeth That Affects Their Bite
An uneven bite is one of the worst-case scenarios for a child that has malocclusion or crowded teeth. A child with down syndrome shows smaller jaws and can cause variations in teeth alignment. Crossbite, underbite, or overbite, these facial deformities will affect children’s healthy body.
Orthodontic treatment may reduce these children’s dental problems, especially when it comes to nutrition, diet, and weight gain. Consider asking your local dentist or orthodontist for an X-ray and assess their jawbone and teeth alignment.
Small Or Missing Teeth
Another problem for individuals with Down Syndrome is missing teeth due to delay in tooth eruption. Most children with down syndrome may not get all 20 baby teeth until they are 4 to 5 years old. Commonly, average tooth growth should start at age 2 to 3.
Delays in teeth growth may or may not be advantageous due to fewer caries or cavities. Yet, there are certainly concerns with bacteria growing in gums and problems with grinding food.
Certain Limitations Of Down Syndrome Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dental care has many benefits in protecting a child’s dental care. Yet, it may not be challenging to visit a dental clinic with children that have dental phobia or anxiety. It is important for a family to admit children with down syndrome to have a school with a friendly environment. The support coming from the teachers and children will encourage your kid to become aware of brushing their teeth every day.
Notably, children with down syndrome may have intellectual disabilities as well. If you are concerned about the progress of your child’s overall health, you may want to consider visiting a down syndrome specialist.
Is There Health Insurance Coverage For Children With Down Syndrome?
Health insurance coverage is vital for every family, particularly with health disorders that limit their financial budget. A government health program, such as Medicare or Medicaid, may cover their needs. However, you can also get higher insurance from federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A benefits package for young people with down syndrome comes in early screening and diagnostic treatment, physical and behavioral exams, as well as long-term services for their needs.
You may find more information about federal insurance by asking for advice from the nearest local health care department.
