If you have a child who has special needs, finding a specialized dentist can be extremely helpful. Your child will feel more comfortable with well-trained and experienced professionals who approach dentistry with a child-friendly manner. We will take an in-depth look at special needs dentistry and how Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry can help your child.

Special needs children often have limitations in performing daily activities, thereby requiring more extensive medical and dental services. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines special health care needs as those that include any type of emotional, sensory, physical, behavioral, mental, cognitive, or developmental limiting condition or impairment that requires specialized services, medical management, and/or healthcare intervention. Some conditions that might apply include but are not limited to hearing and vision impairments, cleft lip or palate, Down Syndrome, neurological disorders, hemophilia or other bleeding disorders, cerebral palsy, heart conditions, ADHD, and autism.

Common Dental Problems In Patients With Special Needs

Many children with disabilities or special needs have an increased likelihood of developing dental problems. Sensory challenges often result in oral sensitivity. Some diet restrictions, medications, and challenges eating can lead to a higher risk of gum disease, oral trauma, and tooth decay. In addition, some children may have difficulties with brushing, flossing, and communicating toothaches and other dental problems. Some children may also have difficulty opening their mouths completely due to lack of full jaw development.
Many of the concerns we want to address with special needs are considered normal dental care, such as the prevention and treatment of cavities. In addition, children with special needs are at a higher risk of many other dental problems, including but not limited to:
  • Oral infections
  • Dry mouth
  • Tooth decay
  • Grinding of teeth
  • Developmental defects
  • Extra tooth eruption
  • Missing teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Delays in tooth eruption
  • Gum disease
  • Overcrowding
  • Poor bite alignment
  • Overgrowth of gum tissue

Why Should You Find A Children’s Dentist For Your Special Needs Child?

Because of the challenges associated with dental care, it is important for parents to find a children’s dentist that is skilled in working with children with special needs. A great children’s dentist will become a partner that is well versed in the oral health of special needs children. Finding a dentist that listens and offers helpful resources is important to the long-term dental health of your special needs child.

We Provide Office Tours

New offices can be a frightening place for some children. Preparing your child with special needs can be very helpful prior to their first visit to the office. To help your child feel more comfortable prior to their first visit, we offer office tours. They will have the opportunity to get to know our location, meet our friendly staff, and even ask Dr. Stewart questions.

Extra Time

Because we want all of our patients to be comfortable at all times, we offer additional time for your child’s appointment. Some children will naturally feel anxious or stressed prior to a dental appointment. We will communicate with them and move at a pace that they are comfortable with.

At Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry, it is our pleasure to work with you. We will make any necessary adjustments to make your child as comfortable as possible.

Comfortable Amenities

Anyone who has had dental check-ups is aware that they aren’t always the most comfortable experience in the world. At Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry, we offer special services to help our patients feel at ease such as:

  • Playing a requested tv show, movie, or certain type of music.
  • Allowing parents to remain in the room.
  • If your child has a special items, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, we encourage you to bring that item with you to the appointment if you like.

Schedule a Dental Appointment With Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry

If you have a new child or are looking for a new children’s dentist, Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry will make your child’s oral health a priority. Call us today 812-234-5437 to schedule an appointment.