Parent Tips: Teeth

Claire is fortunate that the dentist she's seen since she was tiny just happened to have written an article on dental care and Rett Syndrome, before she was ever diagnosed. He recommends aggressive preventative care for Claire, so she will not have to be put under if she gets a cavity. He sees her four times a year, and doesn't charge us for the fourth visit, since our insurance will only pay for two visits.

We use a toothbrush with a wide, rubber grip. Many of the children's toothbrushes available are now made like this. I wrap Claire's hand around the toothbrush and my hand around hers, then I brush her teeth. She likes to bite down on the toothbrush, so I have to be fairly quick.