The first tooth appears in the oral cavity at the age of 6 months, and it is rightly said that the first dental visit to a dentist should be at the first birthday. Even before the first tooth appears up in the oral cavity and even before the first birthday, oral hygiene has to be taken care of. An infant or a baby who only has milk, it becomes very important to clean the gums with a piece of gauze, like wise as they grow older until all their motor functions are controlled and systematic the brushing has to be done by either of the parent or under the guidance of a senior.
Children with any mental or physical disorder find it harder to control their motor skills and hence the brushing action becomes difficult and hence that compromises their oral hygiene. Developmental disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, depression, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, hearing and visual impairments and many such other problems that compromise the daily activities impair the oral hygiene.
To take care of the needs of a special child and their requirements it becomes difficult for a parent as it is associated with impaired motor skills accompanied with various medical conditions. Everyday dental care also becomes difficult and challenging to maintain and hence special health care personnel are to be looked forward to for the same.
We at Avadhesh make sure the child becomes comfortable with us and that we teach them and improvise their motor skills that would help him not only to maintain his oral hygiene but also develop the other skills. Parent education is also important wherein they can be well explained on how to take care and to train the kid towards a better future. The appointments can be scheduled at regular intervals just to make the oral hygiene better and to keep a check on the advances on training.
Due to impaired motor skills oral injuries like ulcer or gum laceration are commonly seen and need care time and again. Teeth grinding problem is also commonly seen in such patients. Apart from cavity protection, prevention from further cavitation can be done by providing oral prophylaxis, fluoride, pit and fissure or other such treatments like using mouth guards can be useful and help prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.