Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentists often have specialized training in helping children with special needs receive pediatric dental services. Children with special needs are presented with a higher risk of gum disease, tooth trauma, and tooth decay, and due to the various health risks, pediatric dentists are considered the best option for children with special needs. Regardless of developmental disability, we value and treasure our patients and seek to ensure all children receive dental care. Through us, we can provide guidance for your child’s oral health and give them a beautiful, healthy smile at the end of each visit.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists have additional training for helping children with special needs. This means our team has a unique awareness and attention to your child’s comfort, level of comprehension, and other areas of need; we have the experience to provide dental care and keep your child’s happiness in mind. Many children with special needs often have difficulties managing their oral health and thus can face challenges that prevent them from having healthy teeth and gums, including:

• Mouth Sensitivity: Some children with special needs often have areas of sensitivity around the oral cavity, meaning normal procedures such as dental cleanings and fluoride treatments may present high levels of discomfort for them during visits.
• Poor Jaw Development: In some cases, some physical disabilities may lead to poor jaw development, which often results in malocclusion, mixed dentition, and poor palate positioning. These problems can often lead to difficulties brushing and flossing and make it more likely to develop cavities and gum disease.
• Sensory Issues: Other sources of sensory issues such as sensitivities to sound or touch can make at-home brushing and flossing highly difficult and thus can lead to an increase in oral health problems. Some sensory issues such as limited diets can limit the number of nutrients they gain and thus contribute to poorer oral health.

These challenges make it essential for parents or caregivers to work with a pediatric dentist that specializes in treating children with special needs. In many ways, a pediatric dentist will become your professional partner in caring for your child’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. Through working with us, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that helps your child become accustomed to regular checkups and help work in building trust between your child and us for their oral health.

Miami Children’s Smiles is Here For You

For us, routine care matters, especially for children with special needs. Through the expertise of Dr. Asensi and her team of pediatric dentists, we can work to prevent the onset of cavities through regular checkups and treatments that cooperate with your child’s level of comfort. Through a compassionate ear and a gentle disposition, we want to see your child grow more confident through each visit. For more information about how we best serve children with special needs, contact Miami Children’s Smiles for more information and arrange an appointment with us today.