As a foster parent, you probably want to do everything that you can for the child in your care, whether they are going to be with you for a little while or for a much longer time. This includes things like making sure that the child gets proper dental care. If you're looking for advice for taking your foster child to the dentist, these tips should help.
Choose a Children's Dentist
First of all, you might be thinking about taking your foster child to the same dentist that you see. To ensure the dental office is a comfortable environment for the foster child and to make sure that the dentist is experienced in providing care for young patients, however, you will probably find it's a good idea to choose a children's dentist.
Ensure It's Covered By the Government
Foster children's dental care is typically covered by the government. You should consider talking to the social worker or case worker about this and make sure that you choose a qualifying dentist so you won't be on the hook for the dental care bill.
Understand the Child Might Not Have Had Proper Dental Care
Unfortunately, some children in the foster care system have not received the dental care that they needed throughout their lives. This can result in a couple of problems that you will need to be prepared for. For one thing, a child who has not been to the dentist much or at all in their life might be a bit more nervous about seeing a dentist than other children of their age would be. It's important for you to be as patient and understanding about this as possible. Additionally, the child might need more dental care than just a basic visit because of a lack of dental care.
Provide the Child With Necessities
Of course, as a foster parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that the child who is in your care has everything that they need in order to take proper care of themselves. In regards to their dental care, you should make sure that they have a toothbrush, child-friendly toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. If the child has braces, they might need additional necessities, such as a water flosser. The dentist can provide recommendations about home dental care items that the child needs and can help you choose brands and types that will be suitable for the child. You may want to get the child involved in picking out these items, too.
For more information, contact a local family dentist.
Share22 July 2022
I have worked as a school nurse for decades. Children come to me with all sorts of scrapes and bumps and bruises. Black eyes from playing football, sprained wrists from falling off the monkey bars and stomachaches from too many sweets are common complaints. However, the issue that seems to cause the greatest angst is tooth problems. Sometimes a child will have a second tooth knocked out when playing sport and parents arrive in tears. At other times, children come to my office crying because their friends are teasing them about teeth that are discoloured or stick out. I take an active interest in the latest dental news so that I can give parents and children comfort and advice. I have included some of my collected wisdom on these pages. Perhaps this information can help you understand some options when faced with a dental problem. Thank you for reading.