Special Needs Dentistry – Fort Washington, PA
Providing High-Quality, Comfortable Dentistry for Every Child
Providing comprehensive preventive and therapeutic dental care to patients who have special healthcare needs is an important aspect of the specialty of pediatric dentistry. We value the unique qualities of each young smile we treat. Rest assured that we seek to ensure maximum health for all, regardless of developmental disability or other healthcare issues. Keep reading to learn more about special needs dentistry and what you can expect from our services. Give us a call if you have any questions or wish to schedule an initial consultation for your loved one.
Why Choose Upper Dublin Pediatric Dentistry for Special Needs Dentistry?
- Nitrous Oxide Available for Ideal Relaxation
- Welcoming & Caring Dental Team
- In-Network with Several Dental Insurance Plans
Special Needs Present Unique Oral Challenges
Traditional dental appointments are essential for virtually everyone no matter their shape, size, or ability. That said, for patients with special needs or physical, behavioral, or cognitive disabilities, getting dental care can come with certain challenges. For instance:
- Those with physical and/or cognitive impairments might have difficulty sticking to a daily teeth-cleaning routine, such as brushing and flossing their smiles.
- Patients with Down syndrome may experience delayed or absent tooth eruption.
- Those with particular behavioral disorders might be susceptible to dental grinding or biting down on items that aren’t food, which can increase the risk of chipping or damage to their teeth.
Our entire dental team is dedicated to your child's health and helping him or her maintain a beautiful smile for many years to come. Having your loved one visit their special needs dentist in Fort Washington for preventive dentistry can help them maintain their teeth while also avoiding dental issues down the road, such as cavities and gum disease.
How Do We Help Patients with Special Needs Feel Comfortable?
Dr. Gardner and our team provide a variety of preventive and restorative dentistry treatments that are comfortable, safe, and effective. Our practice is equipped with the latest dental technology, so we can provide complete care for your little one's smile. For example, we can administer nitrous oxide sedation to help them remain as calm and relaxed as possible during their visits. This can help them sit still during their treatments as well as create a more pleasant experience for them as they get their teeth treated.
Dental Tips for Patients with Special Needs
Even though it can be challenging to address oral health concerns for those with special needs, our team is more than happy to provide a few helpful tips to ensure their teeth are healthier in the long run. These include:
- Routine Oral Hygiene: Help your child brush and floss their pearly whites every day, encouraging them to make this a normal part of their everyday life.
- Use Fluoride: Talk to your special needs dentist about fluoride toothpaste/mouthwash products that are best for your loved one, that way you can help them prevent tooth decay.
- Begin Dental Checkups Early: Be sure to schedule your child’s first dental visit prior to their first birthday, and then every six months afterward. This can ensure that their smiles remain pain- and problem-free in the future.