How Dentists Work To Support Children with Special Needs
At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Indianapolis, we firmly believe that all children, including those with special needs, deserve quality dental care. We understand that dental visits can be overwhelming for both kids and parents, and that’s why our dedicated team is here to make their experiences safe, comfortable, and stress-free.
How Dentists Work To Support Children with Special Needs
Children with disabilities or special needs are more prone to dental problems compared to those without and often require specialized care due to their health circumstances. Children with special needs, including physical, mental, or behavioral challenges, often face specific oral health problems as well, including:
- Delayed Tooth Eruptions: Genetic disorders like Down syndrome can cause significant delays in tooth eruption, sometimes up to two years.
- Malformed or Extra Teeth: Children with genetic disorders may have malformed or extra teeth that erupt, or they may have congenitally missing teeth.
- Crowding and Poor Alignment: Children with special needs are more likely to experience crowding and poor tooth alignment, making them vulnerable 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: Certain disorders can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of dental problems in children.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications taken by children can contain sugars or cause dry mouth, which can contribute to tooth decay.
If you are unsure about which dentists in your area can provide care for your child, you can contact your local dentist’s society or reach out to the Special Care Dentistry Association for recommendations.
At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Swati Singh and our team are well-prepared to handle and guide your child through their dental visit with empathy and patience. Our goal is to create a dental environment that works to accommodate their needs, minimize their stress, and ensure a positive experience. During your child’s visit, we work with various practices to help support them, including:
- Desensitization Visits: We organize mock visits to help children become familiar with our environment, introducing them to our staff and allowing them to explore the office for increased comfort.
- Tailored Dental Care: We adapt our methods to suit your child’s comfort level, emotional readiness, and capabilities.
- Sedation Dentistry: When necessary, we offer safe, professionally supervised sedation options to ensure that dental treatments are as comfortable as possible.
- Special Equipment: We utilize adaptive devices, such as specially designed chairs and tools, to provide effective dental care for children who require additional support.
Choose Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN Today!
At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Indianapolis, we are committed to providing accessible dental care for all children. To learn more about our services and treatment options, make sure to schedule an appointment with us today by calling (317) 580-9199. We are here to support your child’s oral health care and be there for them every step of the way.
