Tips to Make Gum Care Easy for Patients with Special Needs

December 5, 2019

Proper gum care is important for all Riverside residents. It helps prevent gum disease, which if left untreated can lead to gum bleeding, gums peeling away from the teeth, loose teeth, jawbone tissue loss, and even tooth loss!

Caring for gums the correct way can be a challenge for anyone, but it may be especially difficult for those with special needs. The patient may not have the strength or dexterity in his or her fingers or hands to properly brush and floss on his or her own. And as In Motion Dentists have learned from practicing special needs dental care, some Riverside patients may be too afraid to let even their most trusted caregiver perform these tasks for them.

To help you navigate the importance of proper gum care when caring for someone with special needs, In Motion Dentists – who practices is focused on special needs dental care in Riverside and throughout Southern California – have prepared this list of tips for care providers.

1. Make Sure Your Loved One is Comfortable Before You Begin Gum Care

We all know that it’s important to brush our teeth every morning and every evening and to floss our teeth at least once per day. From their dentists extensive years of practicing special needs dental care, In Motion Dentists has learned that many of their special needs patients thrive on having an oral hygiene routine that is a normal part of their day. There’s just something about the preparation of knowing that you brush your teeth after breakfast and after dinner that provides comfort to special needs patients.

But, even if you have a routine down pat, it’s important that you listen and pay attention to cues from your loved one before providing gum care. If he or she seems upset or agitated, redirect him or her so he or she can calm down before proceeding with brushing and flossing. It’s important to make oral hygiene as comfortable as possible of a routine so that your special needs loved one doesn’t become afraid or traumatized by dental care.

2. Use Modified Instruments, If Needed

If your loved one is able to brush and floss on his or her own, that’s great! Having the ability to provide self-care tasks really helps boost self-esteem in the special needs dental care field. To provide these tasks on his or her own, some special needs patients will require modified instruments. This may include using an electric toothbrush for easier tooth and gum brushing, and using floss holders or picks in lieu of regular string floss.

If you need a recommendation for a dental instrument that will allow your loved one to provide self-care oral care, call In Motion Dentists to ask for a recommendation.

3. Always Follow Your Loved One’s Lead

Perhaps one of the most important tenets in special needs dental care is to always follow your loved one’s lead. Sometimes brushing – and especially flossing – can be uncomfortable, especially in Riverside patients who are developing the beginning signs of gum disease and have sensitive gums. If your loved one seems abnormally troubled or uncomfortable during your oral hygiene routine, take a break to let him or her become more comfortable and ready to return to caring for his or her gums.

Call In Motion Dentists if You Need a Special Needs Dentist

In Motion Dentists has devoted their practice to serving special needs patients in the Inland Empire and beyond, from the comfort of their very own homes. If you care for someone with special needs and are looking for a competent, caring dentist to care for him or her, look no further than In Motion Dentists.

To speak with them and learn more about their practice, contact them in Riverside at (626) 594-0374.