Dental Problems Common Among Children With Special Needs
Dentists in Dubai say that dental problems are more common in children with special needs.
Dentists claim that there are many possible reasons why dental care may be a challenge for special needs children; some parents, for example, may prioritise medical problems and immediate health needs over oral health. Dental hygiene may also be more of a challenge for children with physical disabilities, as well as those with learning difficulties as they struggle to process and retain information about how to prevent oral diseases and keep the teeth and gums strong and healthy.
Dr Dina Debaybo, paediatric dentist at the Paediatric Dentistry Centre in Dubai, said that dental issues tend to vary according to the type of condition or syndrome a child has; children with physical difficulties may struggle with the actions of holding and using a toothbrush and chewing food, for example, while children with learning difficulties may simply not realise that it is important to brush your teeth.
Dr Maximilian Riewer, dentist at Dubai Sky Clinic, has worked with patients with Down’s syndrome and explained that teeth grinding and clenching can also become a problem, as repeated grinding causes wear and damage to the teeth.
Dentists claim that it is important to provide specialist care for children with special needs, as there is an increased risk of oral health problems and children require more support. Dr Mark Roseman, associate professor and director of Advanced Paediatric Dental College at Nicholas & Asp Dental University,Dubai, said that children should attend dental check-ups every six months and encouraged parents to give their dentist as much information about the child’s medical history as possible.
Join this Discussion