April 22, 2022

Help Your Special Needs Child Get Ready for a Dental Appointment

Do you have a child with special needs? Do you worry about taking them to the dentist because you’re not sure how they’ll react to the sights, sounds, and scents of a strange environment? Here are a few suggestions to consider as you prepare your child for their first visit before you and your child get in the car for their first appointment.

Prior to their appointment, speak with the dentist.

This suggestion is intended for you, the parent, rather than your child. It’s crucial to understand whether or not a dentist treats children with special needs, so you can decide whether or not it’s the right place for your child. Will they let you stay with your child for the duration of their visit? How do they help children with special needs calm down during an appointment if they feel afraid or anxious? When contacting to make an appointment, you should ask these questions.

Read Patient Experiences at the Dentist.

Reading stories about visiting the dentist can help to ease your child’s fears and modify how they perceive these appointments, whether you purchase books about dental appointments or you and your child work together to make your own. Bringing a favorite storybook to your child’s checkup can help them remember what to expect throughout their visit.

Inquire About Amenities.

If your child’s dentist doesn’t have many amenities, bringing a tablet or other screen with your child’s favorite videos can be helpful. This allows them to divert their attention away from the job that is being done during their stay. Also, if your youngster is bothered by the sounds and sights inside a dentist’s office, bring headphones and/or sunglasses to aid with these frequent issues.

Take a look at the flavors that are used in a dental office.

If your child is allergic to specific flavors (for example, mint), ask your dentist if an alternate flavor can be used. You can either buy your own and bring it to their appointment, or if they don’t have any on hand, your dental hygienist might be able to supply a different flavor that your child will appreciate.

Do not be afraid to inquire.

Your child may not know how to ask some questions about their dental health, so once the dentist has finished the exam, spend time at home talking about methods to enhance your child’s oral health. A pediatric dentist in El Paso who specializes in special needs dentistry should be able to provide helpful practices and recommendations for preventing tooth decay, as well as any necessary treatments to improve your child’s smile’s health and longevity.

Having a child with special needs isn’t always simple, but if you can find a dentist who can help you manage his smile, you and your child will be better equipped for a lifetime of improved dental health.