Acid Reflux in Special Needs Patients: What Caregivers Need to Know

Whether you’re concerned about reflux-related damage or just looking for a dentist who truly understands special needs patients, we’re here to help.

Caring for a loved one with special needs involves managing a wide range of health concerns—and oral health is often one of the most overlooked. If your child or family member experiences acid reflux (GERD), it can significantly affect their teeth, gums, and comfort during dental visits.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in gentle, sedation-based dentistry for patients with special needs, and we understand how chronic conditions like acid reflux can complicate dental care.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

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Whitney S.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

Paul

Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.

Nancy S.

We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.

Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

What Is Acid Reflux—and Why Does It Affect the Mouth?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. In many patients with special needs, GERD is more common due to medication side effects, dietary factors, or neuromuscular conditions.

Unfortunately, when acid frequently enters the mouth, it can:

• Erode tooth enamel
• Cause tooth sensitivity or pain
• Lead to chronic bad breath
• Increase the risk of cavities
• Trigger discomfort during brushing or cleanings

This makes proactive dental care absolutely essential.

How The Dental Anesthesia Center Helps

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide sedation and sleep dentistry in a safe, hospital-grade environment—ideal for patients who:

• Cannot tolerate traditional dental care
• Have anxiety, severe gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still
• Need extensive treatment in one visit

We collaborate with caregivers and physicians to create a customized dental care plan that considers all medical conditions, including acid reflux.

Our services include:

• Gentle, sensory-sensitive cleanings
• Enamel-strengthening treatments for reflux damage
• Fluoride and desensitizing applications
• Oral hygiene education for caregivers
• General anesthesia and IV sedation options for patients with severe needs

Preventing Further Damage at Home

Caregivers can help protect their loved one’s teeth from acid reflux by:

• Keeping the head elevated during and after meals
• Avoiding acidic foods and drinks (like citrus, soda, and tomato sauce)
• Using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Rinsing the mouth with water after reflux episodes
• Scheduling routine dental visits with a team that understands special needs

We’re Here to Help—With Compassion and Expertise

Your loved one deserves quality dental care in a calm, respectful environment. Whether you’re concerned about reflux-related damage or just looking for a dentist who truly understands special needs patients, The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis is here for you.