Any child can struggle with dental visits, but things get trickier when they have a disability. Parents must account for their little one’s physical, mental, or emotional limits when planning a checkup. That said, you needn’t panic or worry; great dental care plans work for kids with special needs. The right pediatric dentist will help your unique youngster get the oral treatment they deserve. As proof of that fact, look at these three things dental care plans do for special needs kids.
They Address Your Child’s Oral Habits
Your child likely has some harmful oral habits – thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, etc. As part of their dental care, a trained pediatric dentist will address these actions.
Indeed, correcting bad oral habits is crucial to a youth’s oral health. Leaving these quirks alone often leads to misaligned teeth and jaw issues. Many pediatric dentists thus help special needs kids “quit” such habits, often relying on speech therapy and orthodontic interventions. Even our dental team can tailor treatment plans to counter odd oral traits and tendencies.
Of course, please tell a pediatric dentist about your child’s habits before the checkup. You’ll want to give them a heads up for what they should expect.
They Prevent & Detect Cavities
When helping a special needs child, a good dental care plan prevents and detects cavities. Anything less would put your youngster’s smile in danger.
You see, many kids with special needs have a high risk of tooth decay. Those with developmental delays, especially, find it hard to maintain good oral hygiene. Trained pediatric dentists know these facts and compensate by paying attention to your little one’s smile. Through routine checkups and cleanings, they identify and treat cavities before anything can escalate.
A pediatric dentist will always keep their child patients’ smiles strong. So, it’s only natural that they’ll do the same for kids with special needs.
They Offer Emotional Support & Comfort
A child with special needs often feels strong emotions or sensations. To keep them calm, a dental plan will usually offer emotional support and comfort.
A supportive and soothing environment is crucial for special needs dental care. Without one, your little one may find their treatment very distressing or unpleasant. That’s why trained pediatric dentists work closely with parents and caregivers to meet their child’s emotional preferences. In fact, many ensure stress-free visits by offering office tours, employing distraction techniques, etc.
Dental care plans can work for kids with special needs, so please don’t hold back. Have your child visit a trained pediatric practice soon!
About the Practice
Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen is based in Allen, TX. Led by Drs. Justin Chan and Sage Yoo, our practice makes your youngster’s smile the top priority! That means we’ll tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to suit their specific oral needs. By doing so, our team can ensure your child has thriving teeth and gums well into adulthood. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (469)-663-0098.