Curious Parents Family Health Resources

dental health

Special Needs Children Need to Smile Too!
By Leslie McGowan

Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy are just a few debilitating diseases that plague over nine million children across the United States. While focusing on the developmental, emotional, or physical needs of a child, oral healthcare is often disregarded. For a variety of reasons, children with disabilities are at a higher risk for dental problems such as tooth decay, enamel irregularities, and gum infections. The risk of oral problems can be increased as a direct result of special diets and certain medications.

Absence of education and clinical experience, according to Dr. Burton Nussbaum, are main factors in the lack of dental care for special needs children. Many graduating dentists are not willing to take the extra time to care for those patients as well as receive low reimbursements from insurance companies. 

“There are no big ads in Philadelphia magazines to attract patients with cerebral palsy,” says Dr. Nussbaum. 

As a graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry, Dr. Nussbaum has served innumerable patients throughout his 29-year career in caring for special needs children. He also helped in developing new laws to aid the financial burden of medical expenses. Some children may require a hospital setting for serious procedures along with the help of anesthesia. Since some dental work exceeds the parameters of the dentist’s office, insurance companies were reluctant to cover such expenses. Dr. Nussbaum played a key role in developing laws to force insurance companies cover such costs. Extensive knowledge, years of experience and a great faculty has lead him and his practice to great success. 

Some tips to consider when searching and scheduling an appointment for a special needs child:

1. Make sure the office staff is aware of your child’s special needs, so enough time is allotted for your appointment.

2. Allow the dentist to review previous medical history to ensure correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

3. Provide the dentist with names of current physicians to establish good communication between the health care providers.

4. Help your child relax before the appointment, since fear can affect the visit.

5. Be proactive in preventative oral care, instead of relying solely on the dentist.

Some parents are apprehensive when it comes to oral health care. There are, in fact, many ways to encourage preventative care among children with special needs. Whether it’s a different type of toothpaste, an altered toothbrush, or comfortable positioning, there are a variety of ways to help keep at-risk teeth clean. 

Handles have been added to some toothbrushes to allow easier grip when brushing, while modified brushes allow the patient to clean their teeth, despite any oral deformities. A few simple pillows or a beanbag chair can properly position a child to comfortably clean their own teeth. 

FACTS ON SPECIAL NEEDS DENTISTRY

1. Pediatric dentists are the dental professionals of choice for children with special needs. Their education as specialists — two or more years beyond dental school — focuses on care for children with special needs.

2. Pediatric dentists are not just for children. Because of their experience and expertise in helping patients with special needs, they are often the best choice for the dental care of adults with special needs as well.

3. The most prevalent unmet need for children and adults with special needs is dental care, according to a recent National Health Interview Survey. Special needs patients are less likely to visit a dentist regularly and are more likely to have missing teeth. Pediatric dentists, caregivers, support organizations, and patients with special needs must work together to improve access to preventive dental services and make every effort to restore teeth — not extract them.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN

As a parent of a child with special needs, you may have concerns about your child’s tolerance of a dental visit. Whatever your concerns, do not postpone preventive dentistry for your child. Pediatric dentists understand that each child is unique and may need extra care to feel comfortable during dental treatment. For example, one child might do great with positive communication, another might benefit from a body blanket to help control involuntary movements, and still another might need mild sedation to feel relaxed during treatment. Pediatric dentists stand ready with a variety of possible approaches; you can help select the approach that is best for the specific health and behavioral needs of your child.

HOW TO FIND A DENTIST FOR A CHILD OR ADULT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

• Contact the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for a pediatric dentist in your area, www.aapd.org. 

• Contact your local dental society and ask for a dentist with experience in treating special needs patients.

• Contact the Federation of Special Care Organizations in Dentistry.

Leslie McGowan is a freelance writer.