Maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine is crucial for everyone to keep up a healthy smile. However, if you have a child with Down syndrome, you know that they have some differences that require special attention and it’s especially important that their oral healthcare is prioritized. Continue reading to learn more about how Down syndrome can affect your child’s oral health and what to do about it.
How Is Your Child’s Oral Health Affected by Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome can affect oral health in a variety of different ways:
- Delayed Eruption: Children with Down syndrome’s teeth may erupt later than the teeth of children without Down syndrome. It is also common for their teeth to erupt in a different order.
- Undersized and Missing Teeth: While anyone can be affected by the absence of teeth, it is more common for people with Down syndrome to encounter this.
- Bite Issues: Because those with Down syndrome may have smaller teeth and/or a small upper jaw, crowding and spacing are more common.
- Gum Disease: People with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for gum disease. This is because they have a compromised immune system, so they don’t have as many natural protections against the disease.
How to Care for Your Child with Down Syndrome’s Smile
If you have a child with Down syndrome, here are some tips to help you care for their pearly whites:
- Help them brush their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Children less than three should only get a tiny smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Once they are reliably spitting out their toothpaste, you can upgrade them to a pea-sized amount.
- Stock up on tooth-healthy snacks and treats to reduce the amount of sugary and starchy foods they are consuming.
- Start scheduling their routine dental visits within six months of their first tooth erupting or by one year of age. For most people, it is recommended to see the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. However, some people need to go more often depending on their oral health needs.
- Find a dentist who has experience working with children who have special needs. They can help to make the dental experience less stressful for you and your child.
Dental care is always important, but children with Down syndrome’s oral health need extra special attention. By using the steps listed above, you can set their smile up for success!
About the Author
At Mighty Molars, Dr. Matt Strumpf loves getting to know kids, teaching them about dental care, and watching them grow up. He earned his dental doctorate from Midwest University before going on to complete his pediatric specialty training at the University of Illinois Chicago. This program gave him experience working with special needs children. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child at his office in Inver Grove Heights, visit his website or call (651) 450-6111.