Dental problems high in special needs kids

Dubai: Children with special needs are the highest risk population for dental diseases due to their health condition, according to dentists.

The incidence ties into several issues. Parents of children with special needs tent to focus on immediate health issues and may not prioritise oral care. Further, dental health is challenging for children with mental, developmental or physical disabilities and/or those who do not have the ability to understand preventive dental care routines, resulting in conditions relating to the teeth, gums, and mouth.

Dr Dina Debaybo, dentist at the Paediatric Dentistry Centre in Dubai who has worked with children with autism, told Gulf News that depending on the condition – Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy among others -- dental issues may vary.

He told Gulf News, “In most cases the medication - often liquid syrups and medicines with sugar to help manage the child’s condition for seizure control, sedation, etc, is the main cause of caries [dental cavities]. Medications can also disturb tooth formation causing tooth defects. Patient care has to be tailored to the condition because dental hygiene is important for overall health.”

“A parent should schedule regular dentist visits preferably every six months. Due to the disabling medical conditions or mental or psychological limitations, the parent should provide the child’s full medical history with details on current medications to decrease the risk of aggravating the medical condition. Parents should also ensure brushing and flossing before bedtime. If the child is unable to spit, parents should use a fluoride-free toothpaste,” he said.