At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the unique challenges of providing dental care for children with special needs. Dr. Patel and his compassionate team are committed to providing the best possible care in a safe and positive environment. We are also happy to offer accommodations to enhance your child’s dental care experience. Our team has put together a guide with essential dental care tips for children with special smiles. 

Dental Care for Special Healthcare Needs

Children with special healthcare needs often face unique challenges when it comes to caring for their smiles due to physical, medical, sensory, or cognitive difficulties. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in the importance of preventive dental care, including regular dental exams and cleanings, to reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections, safeguarding your child’s smile. 

If your child has specific accommodations, please let us know before every visit so we can provide the best possible experience. We are also happy to offer desensitization visits to familiarize your child with our office environment before an actual treatment. We’ve designed our kid-friendly office to be physically accessible based on the recommendations of OSHA and the American Dental Association.

Dr. Patel and his team offer a range of sedation dentistry options to help our young patients relax while receiving quality dental care. From nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to oral conscious sedation or even general anesthesia, we strive to ensure your little one is relaxed and stress-free while receiving the best possible care. 

Tips for At-Home Dental Care

Effective dental care doesn’t stop at our practice. Here’s how you can continue good oral hygiene at home:

• Establish a Consistent Schedule: Maintaining a predictable routine helps your child understand what to expect and feel more at ease, making brushing and flossing time less stressful for you and your little one. 
• Experiment with Different Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: Explore different flavors to find the toothpaste right for your child. Also, consider different types of toothbrushes, like electric or 3-sided sensory toothbrushes, to determine the type best suited for your little one. 
• Use Adaptive Tools: If your child finds holding a toothbrush challenging, consider adaptive tools like grips, wraps, or holders. Our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is happy to recommend adaptive tools to help make brushing easier for your child. 
• Model the Expected Behaviors: Brush and floss alongside your child to encourage the desired behaviors. This may help your child feel more comfortable about the entire process.
• Make Teeth Brushing and Flossing Engaging: Turn brushing and flossing into a fun time your child will look forward to with favorite songs or a reward system. The less pressure your child feels, the more likely you’ll have a successful brushing and flossing session. 

Special Needs Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our dental care services for children with special smiles. Dr. Patel and his dedicated team are happy to offer tips and guidance to ensure your little one’s smile stays healthy and sound. We are here to support your child’s dental health journey every step of the way. We invite you to call 480-284-5076 to schedule your child’s appointment or request one online today!