Children with cleft palates may require special dental care. Knowing what you can do to keep your child's teeth healthy and his or her smile looking great is essential. Here are a few things to consider when preparing for your child's dental hygiene.

Coordinated Care Team

Treating your child's cleft palate means that you'll need to seek care from several types of doctors. You'll likely need to see a pediatric plastic surgeon, dentist, and orthodontist to provide a multifaceted approach to his or her oral health. In addition, you may also need the assistance of a speech therapist to help your child with any speech issues that the cleft palate might cause. Work with your pediatrician to find care specialists who have experience treating children with cleft palate.

First Dental Visit

Cleft palates can impact the positioning, number, and size of a child's teeth. Scheduling a visit with a dentist before teeth start to come in can help you to know what to look for in terms of tooth growth. Your dentist can also show you how to care for your child's teeth and gums to ensure that food particles don't get stuck in the palate.

Proper Dental Care

Like any child, yours will need to brush and floss regularly to keep his or her teeth clean and healthy. A soft-bristled toothbrush can help to get the teeth clean without aggravating the palate area. You may find that you have to visit the dentist more often, particularly if your child has extra teeth that need to be removed. Your dentist will let you know if there are any other special precautions you'll need to take, depending on the type and severity of the cleft palate.

Post-Surgery Dental Care

If your child has surgery to repair the cleft palate, your surgeon and dentist will show you how to care for your child's teeth during recovery. Your child may be on a special diet of soft foods after the surgery, and eating utensils and straws are not recommended during the healing process. A large needle-free syringe or a squeeze bottle may make it easier for your child to eat yogurt, milkshakes and other blended soft foods. It's important for your child to rinse his or her mouth out after eating to prevent food and liquids from building up around the incision. It may be a good idea to brush your child's teeth to prevent him or her from accidentally touching the incision site.

Caring for your child's teeth and gums is an essential part of caring for your child's teeth and gums. Work with your dentist to ensure that your child has proper dental care throughout childhood, and your little one can grow up with a beautiful, healthy smile.

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