Special Needs Patient Care

Special Health Care Needs - An Overview

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) outlines special healthcare needs as "any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs."

Regardless of your child's unique needs, our Sunny Side of the Street Pediatric Dentistry team is prepared and equipped to provide outstanding dental care. We value the unique qualities of the young smiles we treat and strive to ensure our patients enjoy excellent oral health.

What Are the Unique Needs of Children with Special Needs?

Children with special healthcare needs are often at a higher risk of dental concerns. That's because some genetic conditions cause tooth eruption delays, tooth misalignment, or crowding, often leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and a host of dental concerns. Other factors contributing to elevated oral health problems include chronic teeth grinding, immunocompromised systems, connective tissue disorders, medications containing sugars, and physical challenges that interfere with brushing and flossing.

The Importance of Routine Dental Care

Routine dental exams allow us to monitor your child's smile and uncover any oral health problems in their earliest stages when easiest to treat. That helps ensure your child does not require extensive treatments down the road.

Routine dental cleanings are also necessary because removing plaque and tartar deposits from your child's teeth and around the gum line lowers the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Our team will work with you and your child on proper brushing and flossing techniques at home to keep those pearly whites clean and bright between dental visits.