My question to all of you

I am in the dental field and I've been asked to give a lecture on "Oral Hygiene for Children with Special Needs" at a national conference for parents of children with a specific condition.

as parents/caregivers, what info do you think you'd like to hear about?
Would you like tips on taking your child to the dentist? Good verbal skills & body language to minimize apprehension?

Info about products that can prevent tooth decay? Make toothbrushing easier?

Thanks for your help!

Re: My question to all of you

We did not start the dentist yet but we are about to. DS turned 3. It's time! Your thread comes at a perfect timing since I do have questions myself.

My current questions since we are about to book an appt are:

How will you adapt a regular dentist visit to a child with special needs? With sensory issues? Who does not talk? Who might not stay in place?

Do you "strap" the kids in the chair?

What will you actually be doing?

Re: My question to all of you

Make toothbruching happen at all. It remains one of our big challenges.

Re: My question to all of you

We just had DS's 3 year old checkup and his ped. brought up the dentist.

I haven't taken him yet because I just know there is no way he will tolerate sitting in the chair with someone in his mouth. I have a hard enough time with brushing his teeth on a daily basis.

My ped recommended some pediatric dentists who specialize in special needs. I still don't see how they're going to do any kind of thorough appointment with him. My questions would be similar to Sophie's.

Re: My question to all of you

I have been looking forever for a toothpaste that has no flavor whatsoever - does such a thing exist?

Re: My question to all of you

we took DS to the dentist when he was 2.5 years old.

they did NOT strap him in the chair. DH sat with him while holding him.

she showed us how to brush his teeth.

sit him on our lap, making sure his feet are between our legs, take one of his arms and put it around you, then hold his other arm while brushing.

its been easier brushing his teeth this way.

we brought his itouch with us so he had something to hold.

the waiting room was full of toys and kids things so he was content while waiting.

they took a picture of him and gave it to him along with a toy and a balloon.

i know this isnt something you were asking for but these are some things you may want to incorporate into your speech.

they talked to him the whole time showing him everything before puttin it in his mouth.

Re: My question to all of you

I work with children with autism and have worked on desensitizing child to the dentist. We got a dental kit and practiced little by little at home everyday. At first just looking at the instruments was the goal, then bringing it to their mouth, then in the mouth... Then when they were ready went to the dentist to just sit in the chair and look around the office. The next visit the dentist just looked in their mouth quickly. Eventually the child was able to sit still and let the dentist do a cleaning and exam. It took a lot of effort, but worked great. This was a child who previously had to be sedated for dental work.