Dealing with Oral Health Challenges in Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs require specific care, attention, extra help, skilled services, and accommodations. Overall, oral health is neglected in almost all individuals as compared to the health of the rest of the body, and it is more overlooked in children with special needs. Children with special needs may have specific physical, developmental, sensory, intellectual disability, emotional, and behavioral disturbances leading to limitations in oral health care. Oral health is influenced by diet and the ability to maintain good oral hygiene. Children with special needs may eat calorie-dense, sugary, and acidic foods, worsening oral health issues. Developing age and the addition of special needs may hinder children’s education and training needed for good oral health. Children with special needs may sometimes have poor motor coordination and other major systemic complications, making oral health hygiene more challenging. With minor ailments, children can be trained to brush, floss, and rinse their teeth twice a day, but in children with significant disabilities, the caregiver’s role becomes paramount. This article highlights various disabilities that require special care and the challenges faced during oral care of children with special needs, suggesting ways to deal with them.