SPECIAL NEEDS DENTAL CARE
Treating The Special Needs Child With Special Care
At Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry, we offer special needs dental care and work with children that have a wide range of needs.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 5 households in the U.S. includes at least one child with a special health care need. Given that many general dentists don’t treat children with special needs, parents and caregivers may find it challenging to find a dentist to care for their children.
Many children, including patients diagnosed with high anxiety, can benefit from a graduated introduction to dental visits and dental care, particularly if it is their first-time visit.
The Special Needs Child
A knowledgeable dentist can help prepare you and your child for changes in oral structures, issues with feeding, and future development changes.
Some children lack the ability to fully open their mouths due to jaw development and may have difficulty brushing and flossing regularly, leaving them at risk for developing cavities. Children with sensory challenges may be averse to the texture or sensation of toothpaste and a toothbrush. Other children may have a limited diet higher in sugar which can affect oral development.
The Right Dentist Your Child 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 addressing anxiety related to dental visits.
Children with developmental problems have a greater chance for bite problems, such as crowding, bite and poor jaw position. Additionally, children who experience delays in growth and development may also take longer to get their baby teeth and adult teeth. A pediatric dentist will be able to identify any issues early on and provide a recommendation for care. All children benefit from a preventive approach – proper brushing and flossing, limited snacking and regular visits with a pediatric dentist.
Special Needs Means Special Care
Talk to your pediatric dentist about best-practice recommendations that can help better meet your child’s specific needs. For example, many products, such as floss holders, fluoride rinses and adaptive aids for toothbrushes are available to help a patient with special needs prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Preparing Your Child For Their Dental Visit
- Find a pediatric dentist who makes you and your child comfortable. When your child has special needs, you need a compassionate and skilled dentist with the proper training and resources. Our cheerful office, specialized training, and friendly staff help make your special needs child feel at home.
- Provide your pediatric dentist with information about your child before the first visit. This is the perfect time to ask questions, voice concerns and make sure that your dentist understands your child’s specific needs and possible issues.
- Prepare yourself and your child for the first visit. Make your child excited about the visit. You can even start to prepare them early by saying we’re going to visit an old friend next week and then drive by the office to show them where you’ll be going.
- Make dental health a priority at home from day one. Special needs parents may be dealing with multiple, significant health needs in their children, but it’s important not to let oral health slip since it is proven to affect overall health.
