Ideas and Methods for Good Dental Well being

Spring has sprung right here in Vermont and it’s a good time to ensure the entire household is updated on dental exams and cleanings. Not solely is having a wholesome mouth essential for talking, studying, consuming, and smiling, it’s additionally essential for total well being. There are some particular concerns for folks with disabilities, however by establishing a “dental house” early in life and following a each day oral care routine, everyone can take pleasure in the advantages of a wholesome mouth!

Particular Issues

1. Child enamel might have delayed eruption (enamel are available in later), with the primary tooth showing as much as age two. All child enamel are normally erupted by age 5. Additionally, child enamel could also be misplaced later, normally by age 15. Delayed eruption can result in malocclusion.

2. Malocclusion signifies that enamel don’t line up completely. It’s present in most individuals with Down syndrome due to the delayed eruption of grownup enamel and the smaller measurement of the decrease jaw. Malocclusion could make it tougher to maintain enamel clear however your dental well being care supplier may give you concepts about make cleansing your enamel simpler.

3. Mouth respiration is precisely what it seems like, respiration via your mouth as an alternative of your nostril. This occurs quite a bit for folks with down syndrome due to smaller nasal passages. Mouth respiration can dry out the mouth and reduce saliva manufacturing. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acid and serving to to scrub away micro organism; with out it, the probabilities of getting tooth decay goes up.

4. Individuals with Down syndrome typically have a robust gag reflex because of the placement of the tongue and anxiousness about their mouths being touched. Generally scheduling an early morning appointment (earlier than consuming or ingesting) will help.

Ideas to your journey to the dental workplace

1. Share with the dental workplace crew the easiest way to speak with you and make the appointment for the time of day that works finest for you.

2. In case you have any medical considerations, together with coronary heart issues, inform the dental workplace earlier than the go to.

3. Think about silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as a therapy choice. SDF is a liquid remedy that may assist cease dental decay and ache with out utilizing needles or drills. It turns the world of decay black and might not be helpful in each case, however it may be an ideal therapy choice in sure conditions and should assist keep away from therapy underneath common or native anesthesia. See this SDF truth sheet for extra data.

Ideas for homecare

1. Plaque is that white sticky stuff that builds up on our enamel all through the day. Micro organism stay in plaque and after we eat meals (particularly meals with a variety of sugar) the micro organism feed on it, break down, and produce acid which harms enamel. Assist preserve enamel wholesome by eradicating plaque by brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing.

2. It’s splendid if you happen to can brush your enamel for a full two minutes. Set a timer or brush your enamel whereas listening to a tune or watching a humorous cat video on YouTube!

3. A number of drugs trigger dry mouth (lack of saliva) and comprise sugar. When attainable, ask for sugar-free drugs and rinse your mouth with water or brush after taking the remedy.

For details about the place to discover a dentist name 211.