As a parent, you certainly want the best for your children, especially their dental health. But what if your child needs special care? Ensuring they get the same amount of care as other children can be difficult, but pediatric dental care for kids with special needs fills that gap.
Continue reading to learn more.
Why Is Dental Care Necessary For Kids With Special Needs?
According to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids with persistent physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional disorders are identified as having special needs. They typically have restrictions when completing daily tasks and demand more extensive dental and healthcare.
Children with special needs frequently experience the following oral issues:
- Tooth Eruption Irregularities: The development of the jaw and heredity are two factors that affect when teeth erupt. Fortunately, if your kid had unusual eruptions that resulted in bite difficulties and misaligned teeth, obtaining a straighter smile is now easier and cheaper than ever. Dental treatments like pediatric braces in Lakewood Ranch and invisible aligners are available for your children nowadays.
- Teeth Anomalies: Children with an illness like Down syndrome might experience abnormalities in their teeth’ number, size, or appearance.
- Drug-Related Problems: Because of their sugar content or tendency to produce dry mouth, treatments for kids with special needs may raise the risk of dental cavities. Some medicines can also bring on gum overgrowth.
How Can You Prepare For A Dental Visit?
Preparing for an oral visit can be challenging for any parent, but it can be particularly daunting for parents of children with special needs. The following pointers can assist in making the process as simple and stress-free as possible:
- Find a Pediatric Dentist with Special Needs Experience: Look for a pediatric dentist who offers treatment solutions like the dental services offered in Lakewood Ranch and works with children with unique needs. They must have the required training, devices, and facilities to provide specialized care.
- Set Up a “Meet and Greet” Visit: Before an extensive oral exam, you can intend a “learn more about you” session. Your youngster can fulfill a dental professional, discover the workplace, and become familiarized with the equipment and procedures.
- Talk to the Dentist: Talk about your child’s specific needs or concerns with the dentist, involving any sensory concerns, communication difficulties, or behavioral problems. You and the dentist can work together to establish strategies to improve your child’s comfort and composure.
- Prepare Your Kid for the Visit: Utilize age-appropriate language and visual aids to explain what will happen during the consultation. Encourage your kid to exercise good oral hygiene in your home to develop correct habits.
What to Consider When Selecting a Pediatric Dentist?
Finding a pediatric dentist for your special needs kid might be hard, but locating someone with the essential training and credentials is crucial. As a starting factor, consider the following:
- Board Certification in Pediatric Dental Care: This accreditation symbolizes that the dentist has finished advanced pediatric dental care training.
- Special Needs Experience Dental Care: Look for a dentist who has previously dealt with special-needs children. They should be aware of the particular issues these kids experience and have the required tools and resources to provide specialized treatment.
- Behavioral Management Experience: A pediatric dentist with behavior management experience can make children with special needs feel more secure and relaxed during dental visits. Sedation dentistry for special needs kids, diversion approaches, or positive reinforcement might be used.
Verdict
Every child is unique and has particular oral needs. Caring for special-needs children requires compassion, perseverance, and understanding. Pediatric dental care is essential for them. Beginning early and preparing routine checkups with an experienced pediatric dentist specializing in special needs dentistry will help guarantee your child gets the best treatment.
