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 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.

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!