Oral health is an important part of overall health. This can be especially true for children with special health care needs. Oral health affects nutrition, growth, speech, chewing, swallowing, appearance and learning. Untreated tooth decay can lead to infection, which can spread and affect a child’s overall health.

The overwhelming nature of some children’s medical conditions may make it difficult for some families to deal with oral health. Some families may have little control over many aspects of their children’s medical issues. With the help of accurate information, oral health is a health issue families can often control. The Oral Health Family Page contains information and tips families can use to promote good oral health for their children.

Daily oral care
Tooth decay is the most common chronic PREVENTABLE disease of childhood. Bacteria that produce acid cause tooth decay. Removal of the bacteria with good daily oral care is important in preventing tooth decay in children. Daily oral care for children with special health care needs may be especially challenging. The following resources can assist families with establishing a good daily oral care routine for their children.

• Focus on the basics.
• Oral hygiene aids.
• Toothbrushing.
• Different positions for toothbrushing.
• Flossing.
• Daily oral health care strategies.
• Book and video list.

View our complete list of oral health family resources.

Finding a dentist
Finding the right dentist for a child can be a challenge. A child’s medical condition or behavior also may contribute to the challenge of finding the right dentist.

Children can receive dental care from a general dentist or a pediatric dentist. Many general dentists are comfortable treating children, including those with special health care needs. A pediatric dentist specializes in taking care of children’s teeth. After dental school, a pediatric dentist has an additional two to three years of training on how to treat children. This training includes treating children with special health care needs.

Children should see a dentist as soon as they have teeth or by their first birthday. Based on your child’s needs you may choose a general dentist or a pediatric dentist. View our ‘find a dentist’ resources.

Family resources
Additional resources for families of children, including those with special health care needs, are listed in the ‘family resources’ section of the oral health resources page. The page contains information on tips and techniques to providing daily oral care, oral health for children with special health care needs and fun oral health activities for children.

This page is designed to assist families with meeting the oral health needs of their children. Please contact the CYSHCN Oral Health Project Manager with comments and suggestions.