Special Needs Dentistry
Compassionate, individualized dental care for every child, because every child deserves a healthy smile and a positive dental experience.
Our dental teams provide comprehensive preventive dental care for children and teens, including children with special needs. Regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and preventive care help protect growing smiles and allow our teams to identify potential dental concerns early.
Good oral health begins at an early age. A child's first dental visit should begin when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Starting dental visits early helps children become comfortable with the dental office while giving parents and caregivers the guidance they need to establish healthy brushing, flossing, and nutrition habits at home.
Healthy teeth and gums are an important part of your child's overall health and well-being. Through consistent preventive dental care and healthy habits at home, we can help your child build a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Why Choose Smiling Kidds for Children with Special Needs?
Our dental teams are experienced in caring for children and teens with a wide range of needs and abilities. We understand that every child is different, especially when it comes to communication, sensory sensitivities, comfort, and anxiety. We take time to get to know your child and adapt our approach whenever possible to create a safe, comfortable, and positive dental experience. Our offices also use dental technology, equipment, and techniques designed to support quality dental care for children, including those with special needs. Depending on your child's individual needs and treatment, our teams may use additional comfort measures, including nitrous oxide when appropriate.
A few of the ways we help make dental visits more comfortable and less stressful for children include:
- Explaining what to expect using simple, age-appropriate language
- Taking a gentle, patient, and reassuring approach to care
- Allowing parents or caregivers to remain with their child when appropriate
- Offering nitrous oxide when appropriate to help children feel more relaxed during dental treatment
- Taking time to answer questions from children, parents, and caregivers
- Adjusting our approach when possible based on your child's communication, sensory, or comfort needs
Special Needs We Are Qualified to Treat
Children who may need additional support remaining comfortable and still during dental treatment
Children who may experience increased sensitivity or discomfort during dental treatment
Children who experience oral or sensory sensitivities during brushing or dental treatment
Children with complex medical needs who may require additional considerations during dental treatment
How Parents Can Help
Parents and caregivers can help make dental visits more comfortable by preparing their child ahead of time. A few simple steps may help create a more positive experience:
- 1 Keep it simple and positive. Talk about the upcoming dental visit using calm, age-appropriate language and avoid words that may create unnecessary worry or fear.
- 2 Help us get to know your child. Let our team know about your child's preferences, sensitivities, communication needs, triggers, or anything else that may help us make their visit more comfortable.
- 3 Practice before the appointment. Depending on your child's needs, practicing things like opening their mouth, sitting back in a chair, or having someone gently look at their teeth may help them become more familiar with what to expect.
- 4 Bring comfort items when helpful. A favorite toy, blanket, headphones, or other familiar item may help your child feel more comfortable in a new environment.
- 5 Choose the right appointment time. When possible, schedule your child's visit for a time of day when they are typically well-rested and most comfortable.
Your Child's Dedicated Smile Support Team
At Smiling Kidds, we understand that children with special needs may benefit from extra patience, preparation, and an individualized approach to dental care. Our caring dental teams in Jacksonville and Kissimmee take the time to understand each child's unique needs and work with families to create a comfortable, positive dental experience.
We also provide parents and caregivers with education, guidance, and helpful feedback at each appointment to support good oral hygiene at home. With consistent preventive dental care and healthy habits, we can work together to help children with special needs maintain healthy teeth and gums as they grow.
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Ready to Give Your Child a Healthy Smile?
Schedule your child's appointment today. We accept a variety of insurance options, including PPO plans and state-funded dental plans such as Liberty, DentaQuest, and MCNA. New patients are always welcome!
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