Special Needs Dentistry – Bastrop, TX

Special Needs Present Unique Oral Challenges

Cavities may be a common oral health problem among children, in general, but specific oral health challenges are more evident among those who have intellectual and physical disabilities, such as:

• Teeth Grinding – If your child suffers from anxiety or has a developmental or behavioral disorder, they may grind their teeth regularly, which can wear down their tooth enamel and cause jaw pain.
• Irregular Oral Hygiene – Children who struggle with mobility issues, who are sensory sensitive, or have other physical limitations may find it difficult to practice regular oral hygiene routines at home, which can lead to cavities, decay, and other similar oral health problems.
• Delayed Tooth Eruption – Certain genetic conditions, like Down syndrome, as well as children with nutritional deficiencies or who have malocclusion, can experience delayed tooth eruption. It’s also possible that certain teeth may never erupt.

If you have a child who struggles with one or more of these challenges, make sure to call our office and talk to a member of our team about how we can help. Bringing them in to see Dr. Adam, Dr. Danna, or Dr. Jim will help us establish a baseline and work toward putting their smile on track.

How Do We Help Our Patients with Special Needs Feel Comfortable?

At Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry, we care about making sure each patient remains comfortable while in the treatment chair, and we do this by:

• Providing Dental Sedation: If you would like to discuss the idea of your child receiving nitrous oxide or general anesthesia, we will conduct an evaluation and decide which one might be most helpful in keeping them calm and relaxed throughout treatment.
• Providing a Calm & Compassionate Approach: Our dental team strives to never let a child continue to feel scared, alone, or nervous while in our office. This is why we maintain a calm and compassionate demeanor, making sure to meet your child where they are and adjust to their unique needs.
• Providing Comfort Amenities: With televisions on the ceiling, a gaming area in our waiting room, and calming and colorful visuals throughout our office, we believe this encourages children to be excited about dentistry. However, if any of these cause your child to become overwhelmed during their visit, we will make arrangements so that they have nothing but a positive experience while in our office.

Dental Tips for Our Patients with Special Needs

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child maintain a healthy smile, so even when challenges like those mentioned above exist, our team at Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Below are a few tips that will help improve your child’s oral health:

• Maintain Their Routine Appointments: When scheduling with our office, make sure you keep these appointments so that our dentists can continue to check, clean, and monitor their oral health and development.
• Establish an Oral Hygiene Schedule at Home: Based on your child’s specific needs, try to establish a routine at home that involves morning and nighttime brushing and flossing. You’ll want to make sure they are using a soft-bristle toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss to help keep their teeth and gums cavity- and disease-free.
• Don’t Wait to Schedule Their First Visit: The earlier you bring your child in to see a member of our team, the better the chances that they will maintain a positive view of the dentist’s office. These early years allow us to establish a relationship with your child, helping them become more comfortable and familiar with their surroundings and what they will experience while in the treatment chair.