Finding a specialized dentist is a must if your child has special needs. With well-trained professionals who take a kid-friendly approach to dentistry, your child will feel more at ease. Unfortunately, kids with special needs face many challenges with their development and oral care is commonly among them. With this in mind, we at Smile Reef would like to discuss dentistry with kids who have special needs today.
What Exactly is a Special Needs Child?
Special needs children are those with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions according to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. These kids may require more extensive dental and medical services and are generally have limitations in performing daily activities. In addition to learning and developmental disabilities, some of the conditions we see in our office include cleft lip or palate, neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, hemophilia or other bleeding disorders, heart conditions, autism, vision, and hearing impairments.
Common Childhood Dental Problems in Special Needs Kids
More likely to develop dental problems are children with disabilities or special needs. Oral sensitivity can develop with sensory challenges. Dental gum disease and cavities can be the result of certain high-sugar medications, diet restrictions, and difficulty eating. Some special needs children can have challenges when it comes to communicating you of toothaches or other dental problems in addition to some children may also have trouble brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Due to problems with jaw development, other children have difficulty opening their mouths completely. As special needs dental care is standardized, such as the prevention and treatment of cavities, many of these concerns are addressed. There are several common dental concerns that children and teens with special needs are more at risk for, however, which include the list below.
1) Tooth Decay
2) Grinding the Teeth
3) Bite is Poorly Aligned
4) Gum Tissue Overgrowth
5) Overcrowding
6) Oral Infections
7) Missing or Crooked Teeth
8) Gum Disease
9) Extra Tooth Eruption
10) Dry Mouth
11) Developmental Defects
12) Delays in Tooth Eruption
Why Pediatric Dental Care is Important
Trained in the care of patients with special needs are all pediatric dentists. Pediatric dentists have 2-3 years of specialized training in areas such as child psychology and development and addressing anxiety related to dental visits beyond dental school. We are devoted to helping growing children take care of their oral health from infancy to adolescence. All this includes more than just dental check-ups and cleanings. At Smile Reef, we do everything we can to make your child as comfortable as possible.
Pediatric Dentistry
Our staff understands that a trip to the dentist can cause high anxiety in any child, but especially with kids that have special needs. We do everything we can to help your child feel more at ease and calm during the visit. From checking in to checking out, we help everyone feel calm. Contact Smile Reef today and let us take care of your children in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding areas.
