Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (2)
- teeth whitening (3)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (13)
- celebrity smiles (74)
- dental injury (8)
- crown (1)
- dental implants (12)
- bridgework (1)
- braces (13)
- orthodontics (9)
- palatal expanders (1)
- oral hygiene (13)
- nutrition (6)
- oral health (23)
- diabetes (4)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- medication (1)
- gap (1)
- dental health (1)
- gum disease (11)
- laser dentistry (2)
- mouthguard (2)
- dental insurance (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- pediatric dentistry (15)
- dental erosion (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- teething (3)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- dental anxiety (2)
- orthodontic treatment (14)
- gluten (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- smile makeover (2)
- dental emergency (1)
- dentures (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- removable dentures (1)
- mouthguards (4)
- bad breath (2)
- tooth decay (9)
- crowns (3)
- antibiotics (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- gum recession (2)
- salvia (1)
- sugar (2)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- toothache (2)
- dental injuries (2)
- gummy smile (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- chipped tooth (5)
- apioectomy (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- root canal treatment (5)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- veneers (3)
- baby teeth (1)
- clear aligners (2)
- bruxism (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- oral cancer (3)
- oral surgery (2)
- retainers (5)
- topical fluoride (1)
- local anesthesia (1)
- composite resin (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- root resorption (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- pulp capping (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- retainer (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- jaw pain (2)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- extraction (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- dry socket (1)
- dental care (2)
- fluoride (1)
Categories:
Children’s ailments come and go, and thankfully most are relatively minor. Some children, however, have impaired health caused by a more serious, chronic disease. For them, the condition impacts not only their overall well-being, but also their dental health.
This often occurs because the specific healthcare needs of children with these chronic conditions are given greater priority over dental health. Besides the treatment focus, children with special healthcare needs may have physical, mental or behavioral limitations that can make it difficult to keep up with oral hygiene and care.
Children with autism or attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a difficult time practicing (or cooperating with) oral hygiene tasks. Some may not have the physical ability to perform effective brushing and flossing without assistance. In these cases, it’s important for parents or caregivers to seek out instruction and training that will optimize their children’s hygiene and so reduce the chance of dental disease.
Certain medications for chronic conditions can increase mouth dryness, or they’re acidic or sweetened with sugar, any of which can increase the child’s risk for tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. Parents or caregivers should consult with their physicians about these medications or if they could be administered at mealtime to minimize their effect on the mouth.
Finally, there’s the direct effect some conditions may have on a child’s teeth and gums. Children with severe gag reflexes due to their condition may not be able to tolerate toothpaste or be able to spit it out completely. Other conditions can give rise to dental defects such as enamel hypoplasia in which not enough enamel develops to adequately protect the teeth. Such defects call for special dental attention and closer monitoring of teeth and gum health.
The key is to see us and the other healthcare providers for your child’s chronic condition as part of an overall team. Sharing information and regarding both dental and general care as part of a comprehensive strategy will help to prevent dental problems from developing and improve their health.
If you would like more information on dental care for children with chronic conditions, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Managing Tooth Decay in Children with Chronic Diseases.”