Kids With Special Needs Need Dental Specialists

Children with special needs must see dentists just like any other child, but not all dentists have been trained to care for patients with special needs. That’s why your child deserves to see a dentist who is specifically trained to cater to children with special needs. When you’re asking, “What’s the best children’s dentist near me?” you’ll want to go to a practitioner who understands and accommodates the issues your child faces.

It’s About More Than Dental Care

Dental services for children with special needs should be more comprehensive. When doctors, hygienists, and assistants know how to accommodate emotional, physical, cognitive, developmental, mental, or sensory impairments, it makes all the difference to you and your child. Of course, the oral treatment includes the necessary exams, cleanings, and fillings, but special needs dentists are uniquely trained to understand how certain conditions may affect treatment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbdk5eLkeAA

How An Appointment Differs

When you go to an appointment with a special needs dentist, you’ll notice that the dentist’s approach is different than a typical dentist. In general, there may be a slower and more gentle approach. It’s even better when the pediatric dental office isn’t busy. Some dentists will provide special needs patients with general anesthesia as a surgeon would in an operating room. This is very wrong but it does happen.

Choosing the Right Dentist

The parent should take several things into consideration when it comes to deciding on a dentist for your special needs child. It’s great if the office staff is well-trained to identify children with special needs. Choose a dentist whose receptionist will make the proper accommodations, such as making the appointment slightly longer.

Another important factor is whether the childrens dental practice has specialized equipment. For example, you may want a dentist who has a theater set up in the exam room. This way, your child will get to watch his or her favorite movies or TV shows, making the experience much more pleasant. The dentist should also provide unique advice for dental hygiene with your kids. For instance, he or she may advise you to use a toothbrush with a cartoon character on it.

You Should Feel Comfortable and Confident

Taking your child to the dentist shouldn’t be a stressful or an uncertain process. You deserve to go somewhere where you and your child feels welcomed and accommodated. The right dentistry practice will go above and beyond to ensure your child’s needs are met.

Raising a child with special needs is rewarding, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Going to just any pediatric dentist near me shouldn’t be one met with challenges. The right one will make it an easy and fulfilling experience.

Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist – What To Expect

Children should see a dentist for the first time before their first birthday. They may not even have all their baby teeth at this point, but it is vital for an experienced dentist to inspect your child’s oral health to ensure the teeth will be healthy when they do come in. There are certain things you need to anticipate in order to have a productive meeting and to ensure your child receives the best dental treatment. We feel each parent must have a good positive attitude about the dentist they choose for their child.

This Video Portrays One Parent’s View of Her Pediatric Dentist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqDWH38HAao

What Can A Parent Expect?

You may be wondering what exactly happens at a child’s first dental appointment. For the most part, you dentist will most likely not do anything extensive to the teeth or gums. Instead, this visit is meant to acclimate the child to the dentist’s office and to get him or her used to all the various sights, smells and noises. During the oral examination, your new pediatric dentist will evaluate the tooth eruption progress and any structural or developmental red flags that may need closer examination.

You will sit next to your child as the dentist examines the gum tissue and any teeth that have come in so far. The dentist will also most likely clean the gum tissue. These initial examinations helps your child overcome any dental phobias and provide the reassurance your child needs to feel comfortable with oral exams.

How Can You Prepare Your Child for the Visit?

The best way to help your child feel more at ease is by appearing calmer yourself. If you personally have dental anxiety, it is very important that your child does not adopt those feelings so positive body language helps you communicate a positive message to your child. Children, even when they are only one year old, are very perceptive and will take note if you appear nervous or exhibit apprehension before their first dental visit.

You should also practice brushing your child’s teeth before the first appointment. Your child may be resistant at first, so try to make the experience fun. Play a song as you brush your child’s teeth. After brushing, play a fun game so that your child associates brushing with positive experiences.

What Should You Tell the Dentist?

This visit is also an opportunity for you to increase your own dental knowledge. The dentist will tell you if there are any areas of improvement concerning your child’s oral health. The pediatric dentist near you will ask you if your child still sucks his or her thumb and what kinds of food make up your child’s diet. Take all of these dental hygiene tips for kids to heart because it could vastly help your child down the line.

Find an experienced children’s dentist in Levittown who can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout his or her life. The first few years are critical to developing good oral hygiene habits. After your child’s first appointment, you should schedule the next one six months in the future.