Our board-certified pediatric dentists at Alderwood Children’s Dentistry provide routine dental care for children with special needs. All children, including those with special needs, should receive quality dental care with honesty and compassion. We make sure to include parents and guardians in every step of your child’s dental services to ensure good quality care and prevent future dental problems.
What To Expect From Special Needs Dental Care
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down’s Syndrome, ADHD, and other complex medical histories can sometimes have difficulties taking care of their teeth at home. In some cases, children with special needs may have severe aversions to dental care and hypersensitivity. When lacking those skills can pose other challenges when needing dental care.
Our team understands the importance of approaching children with special needs for dental care. In this regard, Dr. Lim specializes in learning your child’s unique strengths to provide special needs dentistry services, including teaching children basic oral hygiene skills, calming techniques during dental exams, and helping them maintain regular checkups.
Specialized dental care requires understanding the effects of many children’s conditions, and we can tailor our approach to the additional needs of our patients to deliver effective treatment, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Through patience and understanding, we take the time to understand their needs, concerns, and fears to deliver them special needs dental treatment. These include autism-friendly dental products, working with sensory sensitivities, and helping them familiarize themselves with our office.
- Down’s Syndrome: Children with Down’s Syndrome can often feel stressed in dental environments and face dental health problems such as cavities, periodontal disease, and malocclusion. We work to provide them with ways to manage these issues to help them maintain regular tooth formation during their early childhood years, provide space maintainers for missing teeth, and adjust for their needs to help them maintain oral care.
- ADHD: Children with ADHD taking medications can cause dental-related side effects, such as symptoms of dry mouth and swallowing difficulties. Research has shown that children with ADHD develop habits and tendencies that affect their health. At Alderwood Children’s Dentistry, we can work with your child to provide them with short, clear instructions and calming techniques, all in a kid-friendly environment.
- Other Complex Conditions: Behavioral disorders, hearing disorders, visual impairments, and other conditions are special health needs that require specialized dental care. At our office, we work with state-of-the-art protocols to provide a compassionate, friendly environment and work to personalize their appointments to help your child have an excellent visit.
During your visit, our team will discuss any signs of improper oral hygiene practices and help teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques. When more advanced treatment is needed, we will be presented reassuringly and positively for your child.
Schedule Your Next Visit To Alderwood Children’s Dental Today
Our dedication to providing a welcoming and friendly environment for children ensures they’ll have a great experience every time. At Alderwood Children’s Dentistry, patient education is essential to dental care at any age. Call us today if you’re looking for a new dentist for your child or have yet to schedule your next visit with our team. We’re excited to see you at your child’s visit to our clinic at 19106 33rd Ave W, Suite 1, Lynnwood, WA.