Intellectual Disabilities Dentistry

Oral Care For Patients With Intellectual Disabilities

Many people with intellectual disabilities are put at risk when it comes to their oral health, as there tends to be a lack of communication with dentists, as well as a lack of understanding about the needs of that patient.

For many patients with intellectual disabilities in St. Louis, not being able to understand the importance of prioritization of oral care can lead to difficulties down the road. For parents or caregivers, trying to get someone to maintain a healthy daily routine or even cooperate with oral care can be incredibly painstaking.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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Corey W.

All three doctors are nice to get over your fear of dentist.Thank you Dr. Hoffmann and team!

Mary Lea B.

Carrie and Dr B are awesome!

suzanne

I cannot say enough about Dr. Hoffmann and his incredible staff. I never thought for a second that I would not be terrified to go to the dentist for the rest of my life, but Dr. Hoffmann changed that. I have had extensive work done over the last few months, all pain free. I was missing teeth due to a decades old bridge falling out and Dr. Hoffman made sure I had a beautiful smile in time for my daughter’s wedding. I have never experienced a kinder more compassionate team, when you go, you know you are in good hands. There is more work to be done, but I am no longer afraid, at all. Thank you Dr. Hoffmann, and thank you to your team. You’ve changed my life.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful review. Your kind words truly touched all of us. It means so much to know that our focus on compassionate, gentle care and making people feel comfortable is making a difference. Dr. Hoffmann and our entire team are grateful for your trust and for taking the time to share such a heartfelt message. We appreciate you more than you know and wish you all the very best!

I H.

I was terrified of the dentist and had not gone in years. I’m so glad I found Dr Hoffmann. I now can go to the dentist and am not scared to death. He is so kind. So gentle. I’m so grateful!

Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words! We're so glad you had a positive experience with our team. Providing compassionate, comfortable care is always our goal. We truly appreciate your support!

Betsi N.

Melissa did an excellent job making us feel comfortable through the entire process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad to hear you had a positive experience. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Melissa. We truly appreciate your support!

People with special needs and intellectual disabilities tend to become much more anxious when they know that they need to go to the dentist. For many patients, it can be as simple as knowing how to provide the correct reassurance to get them here safely and willingly.

Of course, some have more severe disabilities or medical problems, and many of those people require a bit of extra care or precaution.

Providing Better Oral Care For People With Intellectual Disabilities

Though it is a dentist’s job to provide the ultimate form of oral care, the path to a healthy mouth starts at home. As a parent or caregiver of someone with intellectual disabilities, there are several things that you can do to jumpstart that path.

As a parent or caregiver, you probably understand that people with intellectual learning disabilities often have a hard time expressing pain or discomfort in a way we understand. As a parent or caregiver to an individual, you must be aware of those changes in behavior that indicate illness, pain, or discomfort and be willing to share them with your dental provider.

Depending on their needs, some patients may need to be seen at specific times of the day. For patients who tend to tire or have strong anxiety, appointments in the evening may not be the best choice. Many patients with intellectual disabilities rely heavily on routines, and those who are planning on having regular appointments may need them all to be at the same time.

In many cases, people with intellectual disabilities have trouble getting proper oral health care when compared to the rest of the population. Because they don’t see the dentist as often, these oral health problems can begin to affect their overall health and wellness.

This is why it is so important for caregivers to prioritize oral health and learn how to adapt and create good routines for it so that bigger problems can be avoided down the road.

Making Your Appointment

When treating patients with intellectual disabilities in St. Louis, MO, the Dental Anesthesia Center is one of the top facilities. We use cutting-edge technology alongside sleep and sedation dentistry in many cases. Our team of dentists is well-trained and equipped to handle any patient, especially those with intellectual disabilities.

Putting off oral care due to the fear or anxiety of visiting the dentist will only be detrimental to that individual. Having a healthy mouth is vital to an individual’s well-being, and having routine checkups is important for maintaining that.

Call us at (314) 862-7844 to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to meeting you!