Reducing Oral Health Obstacles for Children with Special Needs

Posted on January 27, 2023 in Kid's Health

Key takeaways about caring for your child’s smile:

• Children with special needs face unique oral health challenges, but with the right support, healthy smiles are achievable.
• Delta Dental of Iowa offers enhanced benefits specifically designed to support members with special health care needs.
• Successful dental visits start with thoughtful preparation and strong at‑home routines.

Caring for teeth and gums can be more challenging for children with special needs, but with patience, the right tools, and the support offered through special health care needs coverage from Delta Dental of Iowa, a healthy smile is absolutely within reach.

Delta Dental of Iowa supports the families of children with special needs

We recognize that oral health care can sometimes feel overwhelming for members with special health care needs. That’s why your plan offers enhanced benefits for any qualifying covered member, regardless of age.

A special health care need is defined as any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, or specialized services or programs. These conditions may be congenital, developmental, or acquired through disease, trauma, or environmental factors, and can limit daily self‑care or major life activities.

To better support members with these needs, the plan provides several enhanced benefits, including pre‑treatment consultations, unlimited exams for patients identified by their provider as having a special health care need, and up to four cleanings per calendar year.

Coverage also includes dental case management, silver diamine fluoride, and treatment delivery modifications such as anesthesia or sedation to ensure safe, comfortable care.

There is a higher risk of oral health issues among children with special needs

Children with special needs often face unique behavioral, physical, and cognitive challenges that can increase their likelihood of developing oral health problems. Understanding these risks is the first step toward prevention.

Here are a few common concerns to keep in mind:

• Tooth decay, gum disease, and missing teeth are common.
• Teeth that are not aligned (a problem known as malocclusion) can make chewing and speaking difficult.
• Misaligned teeth also create brushing challenges that increase the risk of gum disease, cavities, and oral injuries.
• Habits that damage oral health can develop, such as teeth grinding and clenching, holding food in the mouth for too long (pouching), mouth breathing and/or tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against the back of the teeth).
• Mouth trauma and injury from falls or accidents are more frequent in people with seizure disorders or cerebral palsy.

Preparing for a successful dental visit for children with special needs

A little extra planning and preparation can go a long way toward a successful visit to the dentist.

In fact, that preparation begins prior to even scheduling an appointment. Start by doing some online research on providers near you and find a pediatric dentist who has experience treating children with special needs.

Once you’ve found the right dentist, there are a few ways that you can all work together to create a positive, healthy experience:

Days before your child’s appointment, call the dentist’s office to discuss making the appointment more efficient and effective:

• Discuss anything the office can do to help make your child more physically comfortable, especially if the child has difficulty sitting in the dental chair.
• Make the dentist aware of your child’s communication skills and anything the office can do to help them feel emotionally at ease.
• Provide a list of any medications your child is on, as well as any dietary restrictions or other challenges. In particular, let your dentist know if your child has a latex allergy, which occurs more often among those with disabilities. This information can influence the treatment your dentist provides.
• The day of the appointment, bring items with you that may help your child relax, such as a favorite toy or portable music player.

Pro tip: If your child experiences dental anxiety, check out these tips for a smooth check-up.  

Good oral health starts at home for everyone

A bright, healthy smile starts at home for every member of the family! Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily are essential habits. If your child needs help with their oral care routine, be sure to assist or supervise, and don’t hesitate to ask their dentist for guidance.

Caring for your child's smile is our mission

Supporting a child with special needs comes with unique challenges, and oral health is no exception. But with the right strategies at home, thoughtful preparation for dental visits, and the additional support available through Delta Dental of Iowa’s special health care needs coverage, you can help your child maintain a healthy smile for years to come.