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How Your Dentist Can Help Children With Special Needs

Special Needs Patient

At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Noblesville, we believe that quality dental care should be provided to all children, including those with special needs. We understand dental visits can be overwhelming for kids and parents, so our dedicated team is here to help make their experiences safe, comfortable, and stress-free. 

How Your Dentist Can Help Children With Special Needs

One of the biggest problems today is that children with disabilities or special needs are more often develop dental problems than children without. We know that every child is different and that our children with special needs require more nuanced care and a deeper understanding of their experiences. Children with special needs, including chronic physical, mental, or behavioral challenges, tend to face significant challenges with their oral health, including: 

  • Delayed Tooth Eruptions: Down syndrome and other genetic disorders can cause significant delays in tooth eruption, sometimes up to two years. 
  • Malformed or Extra Teeth: Children with genetic disorders may develop malformed or extra teeth that erupt or have congenitally missing teeth. 
  • Crowding and Poor Alignment: Children with special needs are also prone to crowding and poor tooth alignment, making them susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. 
  • Teeth Grinding: Some children with severe intellectual disabilities or cerebral palsy may habitually grind their teeth, leading to flattened teeth and enamel breakage. 
  • Impaired Immune System: Dental problems in children with certain disorders can result from an impaired immune system. 
  • Medication Side Effects: Some medications taken by children can contain sugars or cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay. 

If you’re uncertain about which dentists in your area can care for your child, call your local dentist’s society or contact the Special Care Dentistry Association for valuable suggestions for dentists there.  

How We Help Children with Special Needs 

We know that every child is different, and children with special needs require extensive, compassionate care with a unique approach. Dr. Sam Bullard and his team are well-equipped to handle and guide your child through their dental visit with patience and empathy. Our goal is to create a dental environment that accommodates their needs to minimize their stress and make their visit more positive. 

Some of the practices that we utilize and can provide during your child’s visit include: 

  • Desensitization Visits: We organize mock-up visits to help children familiarize themselves with our environment, allowing them to get to know our staff and explore the office for better comfort. 
  • Tailored Dental Care: We work to adapt our methods to suit their comfort level, emotional readiness, and capabilities. 
  • Sedation Dentistry: When needed, we also offer safe, professionally supervised sedation options to ensure that dental treatments are as comfortable as possible. 
  • Special Equipment: We use adaptive devices, such as specially designed chairs and tools, to provide effective dental care for children who need additional support. 

Reach Out To Smiling Kids For Your Dental Health Needs

At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Noblesville, we are committed to making dental care accessible to all children. If you wish to learn more about our services and treatment options, schedule an appointment with us today by calling (317) 773-KIDS(5437).