Special Needs Dentistry - Garland, TX
Compassionate Dental Care
for Children with Special Needs
While every child is considered special at The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, we’re eager to provide dental care for children with special needs in the Garland area. The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines children with special needs as those with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, neurological disorders, and certain vision and/or hearing impairments. Our state-of-the-art dental office is physically accessible for all of our patients, and we’re equipped to offer oral conscious sedation and IV sedation for children who do not understand how to be or who are not able to be cooperative during their dental procedures. We're here to support parents and kids with special needs dentistry in our Garland, TX dental office.
Special Needs Come with Special Dental Issues
Children with special needs may sometimes have malformed or missing teeth or significant delays in tooth eruption that their parents and dentist should be aware of when planning for their dental care. Specific issues to look out for include crowding and poor alignment, which can both lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Their medical conditions often require them to take medications that contain sugar or cause dry mouth, both of which can also cause tooth decay over time. Children with cerebral palsy are also prone to grinding their teeth, which can eventually break down their enamel.
Tips for Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
Caring for a child with special needs can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for parents. Here are a few helpful tips when it comes to looking out for their teeth:
- Routine Care – Once your child’s first tooth has erupted, it’s important to brush their teeth at least twice a day using a soft, kid’s size toothbrush and floss their teeth at least once a day.
- Fluoride – Be sure to ask your child’s dentist when they should start using a fluoride toothpaste (or rinse if they gag easily). Fluoride will help prevent tooth decay.
- First Dental Visit – Most pediatric dentists recommend that your child should have their first dental visit before the age of one.