The pediatric specialists at All Kids Dental in Suffolk, VA, are dedicated to bringing quality dental care to all children, no matter their needs.
Read on for more information, or call today to learn how All Kids Dental can make accommodations and create an individualized plan so your child can have a healthy smile.
Who Are Children With Special Needs?
Special needs dentistry patients include children with special requirements for their dental care due to any physical, mental, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, or sensory conditions. Children with special needs have unique dental needs that need to be addressed by someone with experience, and at All Kids Dental, your child will be in good hands.
A comforting toy, earplugs, or dark glasses may make a dentist’s visit more pleasant for children on the Autism Spectrum who feel overwhelmed by bright lights and loud noises.
What Are Orthodontic Concerns Specific To Children With Special Needs?
Children with Down’s Syndrome or Turner’s Syndrome sometimes experience a delay in the eruption of their baby teeth. This delay is usually a few months, but for some, it may even be up to a few years. Some children may also have misshapen teeth, or extra unwanted teeth as well.
Also common in children with special needs is malocclusion. Malocclusion in dentistry refers to teeth that are not aligned properly. This is reflected in how the upper and lower teeth fit together. This is a concern because it can lead to other orthodontic issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Depending on the case, malocclusion can also affect one’s tooth enamel or create issues with their jaw.
What Are Dental Care Tips That Can Help My Special Needs Child At Home?
Before your child’s teeth come in, gently clean gums with a soft, damp cloth. Be mindful of your child’s sugary food and beverage intake to guard from increased risk of tooth decay. If helpful, you can brush your child’s teeth for them, or, you and your child can brush your teeth at the same time, as you model the practice for them. Maintaining a good routine is key to keeping your child in optimal dental health.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
For children with special needs that require special accommodation for high anxiety or sensory concerns, sedation dentistry is a good option. Our specialists may recommend administering laughing gas, a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide.
Nitrous oxide inhalation offers not only calming effects, but pain-relieving and numbing properties as well. This can be especially beneficial in calming a nervous child, as it would prevent any accidents from unexpected sudden movements.
In the event of more extensive dental procedures, our specialists may recommend sleep dentistry, which is orthodontic treatment performed on a patient under general anesthesia.
Sleep dentistry, while not necessary for every special needs patient, may be a good way to ensure a dental procedure or surgery can be performed safely if a young patient has a mental or physical condition that keeps them from following instructions or cooperating.
