Caring for a person of any age with special needs is hard work. Depending on their level of independence, it can involve many aspects of personal care, including oral hygiene. Often, despite the best efforts of their guardians, patients with developmental or other disabilities have higher rates of dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Here’s a closer look at some of these challenges, and how a dentist who specializes in treating these amazing patients can help!
Why Do Patients with Special Needs Have More Oral Health Problems?
While no two people are exactly the same, patients with special needs often struggle with poor oral health. This can be for a variety of reasons, including inability to properly use or hold their toothbrush or floss, unwillingness to maintain their hygiene, or even the difficulties a caregiver may face keeping someone else’s mouth clean, especially if they have mobility problems, sensory issues, or difficulty following instructions.
Furthermore, it can also be a challenge to bring some patients to the dentist for their preventive or restorative care. This can be due to lack of adequate transportation, unwillingness of the patient to cooperate with the dentist out of anxiety or fear, and inability of the dental clinic to accommodate patients with different needs.
How to Make Dental Treatment Easier for Patients with Special Needs
If you know a patient that has special needs, their oral health is extremely important, as is finding a dentist who can provide safe, comfortable care for them. A special needs dentist primarily treats people with physical and developmental disabilities. They have received additional training to work with patients with unique conditions and may also have other qualifications that make this care easier for the patient, such as sedation dentistry credentials. Special needs dental clinics also may have accessibility equipment like Versatilt Wheelchair Lifts to allow physically disabled patients to remain comfortably seated in their wheelchair during treatment.
Remember, although caring for a patient with special needs can come along with its innate challenges, it can also be the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do. To protect the smile of someone you love with a developmental or physical disability, schedule an appointment at your special needs dentist today.
About Dr. Ford
Dr. Frank E. Ford understands that caring for patients with special needs takes extraordinary skills and training. That’s why he’s proud to protect the smiles of patients with physical and developmental disorders right here in Grand Prairie. Dr. Ford earned his Bachelor of Science in Dentistry at Baylor University, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston and following graduation worked at the Mexia State School for the Mentally Handicapped. Today he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the and American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists to name a few. To schedule a dental appointment for a patient with special needs, visit our website or call us today at 972-296-0101.