Dental Care for Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Learn how we provide safe dental care for patients with cerebral palsy in St. Louis. Contact us today for sedation and special needs dentistry.

The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis specializes in sedation and special needs dentistry, offering a safe, compassionate environment for patients with cerebral palsy and other complex medical conditions.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 119 reviews

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Michelle B.

If we lived in closer proximity, we would see Dr. Thoms for all of our dentistry needs. As it is, we happily made the 2.25 hour trip three times for my daughter's root canal and crown. Dr. Thoms and the entire team were expert, kind, and compassionate.
We could not ask for more!

Ruby W.

Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

Susan B.

Best experiences ever. My two special needs children need sedation dentistry and see Dr. Thoms. Dr. Thoms is so kind, caring and reassuring. He truly has a special gift in treating people with special needs. So grateful to be his patients.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide care in a supportive and reassuring environment.

Dave K.

As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

Julie S.

We absolutely love the Dental Anesthesia Center. From the staff to the doctors - everyone is amazing. They are caring, kind and efficient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with our team.

Understanding the Unique Dental Needs of Cerebral Palsy Patients

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, and motor skills. It’s the most common motor disability in children, and many individuals with CP require lifelong dental support due to the physical and neurological challenges the condition presents.

Common Oral Health Challenges in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy

Because cerebral palsy can affect muscle coordination and mobility, many individuals face a higher risk of some dental issues:

• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Often caused by muscle spasticity or stress, bruxism can wear down enamel and lead to jaw pain.
• Malocclusion: Misaligned teeth or bite issues are common due to abnormal jaw development or muscle tone.
• Gag Reflex Sensitivity: Heightened gag reflexes can make routine dental cleanings and home hygiene difficult.
• Drooling and Dry Mouth: Poor muscle control may cause excessive drooling, and certain medications may cause dry mouth, both of which increase the risk of cavities.
• Difficulty with At-Home Oral Care: Limited mobility and coordination can make brushing and flossing challenging without assistance.
• Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease: Gum disease is a significant concern due to inconsistent oral hygiene and difficulty accessing care.

How We Adapt Dental Care for Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Providing effective dental care for patients with CP involves more than just clinical expertise — it requires a tailored, compassionate approach. Here’s how our team supports these patients:

1. Pre-Visit Planning

We work closely with caregivers and healthcare providers to understand patients’ medical histories, medications, and specific needs. This ensures we can accommodate mobility devices, communication preferences, or medical equipment.

2. Special Positioning and Comfort Tools

We offer padded supports, adjustable chairs, and alternative positioning techniques to ensure physical comfort during exams or procedures. For some patients, treatment may be easier with side-lying or semi-reclined positioning.

3. Use of Sedation or General Anesthesia

Many patients with cerebral palsy benefit from IV sedation or general anesthesia, especially for extensive procedures or if they have a severe gag reflex, involuntary movements, or dental anxiety. Our facility is fully equipped to provide safe, hospital-grade sedation dentistry.

4. Sensory and Communication Accommodations

We minimize bright lights and loud sounds and use gentle communication, social stories, or caregiver input to create a calm experience. For non-verbal patients, we adapt with visual cues or assistive communication methods.

Tips for At-Home Oral Care

While professional cleanings are vital, daily at-home oral hygiene is equally important. Here are some tips for caregivers:

• Use adaptive toothbrushes with larger grips or electric models for easier control.
• Brush at an angle from behind the patient for more stability.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse if swallowing is not an issue (check with the dentist first).
• Maintain a consistent routine to reduce stress and resistance.
• Keep up with regular checkups, even if teeth appear healthy — many issues can go unnoticed.

Why Specialized Dental Care Matters

General dental offices often lack the training, equipment, or sedation options necessary to safely and effectively care for patients with cerebral palsy. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our team is trained in special needs and hospital dentistry, offering the expertise and compassion your family deserves. Our goal is simple: to make dental care accessible, safe, and stress-free for every patient.