Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
If your child has special needs, finding a specialized dentist is a must. Your child will feel more at ease with well-trained professionals who take a kid-friendly approach to dentistry. Here’s a closer look at special needs dentistry and how the ABC Kids Dental Care team can help.
According to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, special needs children are children with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. They typically have limitations in performing daily activities and require more extensive dental and medical services. Some of the conditions we see in our office include cleft lip or palate, Down Syndrome, neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, hemophilia or other bleeding disorders, heart conditions, autism, vision, and hearing impairments, as well as learning and developmental disabilities.
Common Dental Problems in Patients with Special Needs
Children with disabilities or special needs are more likely to develop dental problems. Sensory challenges can lead to oral sensitivity. Certain high-sugar medications, diet restrictions, and difficulty eating can lead to dental gum disease and cavities. Some children may also have trouble brushing, flossing, and informing you of toothaches or other dental problems. And other children have difficulty opening their mouths completely due to problems with jaw development.
Many of the concerns we address with special needs dental care are standard, such as the prevention and treatment of cavities. However, there are several common dental concerns that children and teens with special needs are more at risk for, such as:
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child with Special Needs?
All pediatric dentists are trained in the care of patients with special needs. Beyond dental school, pediatric dentists have 2-3 years of specialized training in areas such as child psychology and development and addressing anxiety related to dental visits.
From infancy to adolescence, we are devoted to helping growing children take care of their oral health. This includes more than just dental check-ups and cleanings. We do everything we can to make your child as comfortable as possible.
We Offer Office Tours
There’s no doubt that new places and experiences can be scary for kids. Preparation and familiarization are essential to help your child with special needs feel comfortable visiting our office. To help everyone feel at ease, we’re happy to provide an office tour before your first appointment. You and your child will have a chance to explore, meet our team, and ask any questions you may have.
Communication is Key
Our Growing Healthy Smiles team is more than happy to work with you and your child’s needs, and we will make any necessary adjustments to make everyone as comfortable as possible. Before your appointment, your child’s dental assistant will reach out to you to learn any specific sensitivities or motivators they may have. Our mission is for every child to leave our office feeling happy and healthy.
Extra Time
We never want anyone to be uncomfortable, which is why if it is needed, we can offer extra time for your appointment. It’s normal for kids to feel stressed and anxious before a dentist appointment. We remain calm, move at a pace they are comfortable with, and help them work through their emotions. We also use picture guides to help keep track and visualize the next step and the progress through the appointment.
Comfortable Amenities
Anyone that’s been through a dental check-up knows that it’s not always the most comfortable experience. At Growing Healthy Smiles, we offer special services to help our patients feel at ease including:
