special needs

You may not always know how to treat a certain issue, or they may need to go to the dentist but are unsure of where to get the best care.

Dental care is important for everyone, no matter how old or young. However, for people with Down Syndrome (DS), their dental care requires special attention as they can have several unique dental issues.

If your child or loved one has Down Syndrome, you may feel overwhelmed when dealing with their unique challenges. You may not always know how to treat a certain issue, or they may need to go to the dentist but are unsure of where to get the best care.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we have been working with special needs patients, including those with Down Syndrome, for over 25 years.

What Are Their Special Dental Needs?

There are several unique challenges for patients with DS. Part of their individual situation may have to do with the way their teeth grow; another may have to do with their ability to cooperate, while others face additional complicating health issues. Whatever your child’s special circumstances, we are here to help with solutions.

Some of the most common oral health factors to consider include the delayed eruption of baby or adult teeth, crossbites or open bites, bruxism, crowded or missing teeth, and a higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

How to Care for Their Special Needs

All children need a regular dental care routine. This includes brushing teeth twice a day, staying away from sugary drinks and snacks, and having regular dental checkups. For children with down syndrome, there are some additional steps you need to take to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are healthy. Some of these steps include:

• Inspect your child’s teeth often. Lift their lips away from their teeth for a better view. This will help you address any issues more quickly.
• Encourage your child to rinse with water after taking medications that can cause dry mouth. A dry mouth makes it easier to get tooth decay.
• Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If your child doesn’t like a toothpaste flavor or foam, try different kinds until you find one that works.
• Help them brush and floss if they can’t do it independently.
• Be careful about the use of a power toothbrush as it may be too stimulating for your child.
• Be sure to use any of the aids and suggestions provided by your child’s dentist to keep teeth and mouth clean.
• Schedule regular checkups for them and keep the dentist informed of any problems or new developments.

Making a difference in your child’s oral health may go slowly at first. However, your determination will bring positive results. By adopting these strategies, you can make a significant impact not only on their oral health but also on their quality of life.

We know how important it is to have oral health care for everyone, and we’re here to provide the best Down Syndrome dentistry in St. Louis. Give us a call at (314) 862-7844 to schedule an appointment with one of our top dentists. We look forward to meeting you!

We feel it is of the utmost importance that your loved one with Down Syndrome feels comfortable without fear or anxiety so that the dental visit goes as smoothly as it possibly can.

Patients with Down Syndrome frequently need specialized care for their unique dental needs. One reason is due to their higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease. They can also have orofacial and skeletal development problems, which can negatively impact their oral health. It is essential to find the right dentist so that your child or family member receives the best dental care possible.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we feel it is of the utmost importance that your loved one with Down Syndrome feels comfortable without fear or anxiety so that the dental visit goes as smoothly as it possibly can.

Unique Dental Needs

Each patient is different, and therefore, the degree of difficulty varies from person to person. People with Down Syndrome generally need specialized dental care for many different reasons. Some of the most common oral health factors to consider include:

• Delayed eruption of baby teeth
• Crossbites – where the top teeth lie inside the bottom teeth
• Open bites – where the top and bottom teeth do not touch
• Crowed, missing, or extra teeth
• Decreased crown to root ratio
• Impacted canine teeth
• Higher risk of cavities and gum disease
• Bruxism – grinding or clenching the teeth
• Tongue thrust and mouth breathing

Unique Health Needs

In addition to the oral health factors patients with Down Syndrome face, they also often have complex health factors that must be considered. This is yet another reason why it is important to find a dentist who understands all the potential issues a patient with Down Syndrome may face.

Some additional potential disorders and concerns include:

• Cardiac defects
• Epilepsy
• The fragility of the cervical vertebrae
• Compromised immune system
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Hearing loss
• Vission problems
• Increased risk of leukemia
• Hypothyroidism

Sedation And Patients With Down Syndrome

Many patients benefit from sedation when they visit the dentist. If a patient cannot properly cooperate with a dentist during their appointments, sedation can sometimes be necessary to get the work done.

This is why many patients opt for sedation dentistry, which is exactly what we offer here at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis. For patients who have Down Syndrome, sedation dentistry is not uncommon at all. In fact, sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry, is one of the most utilized methods to keep patients calm and relaxed during their trips to the dentist. There are many different sedation levels as well, which range from mild sedation to where the patient is still awake and conscious to heavy sedation, where a patient is completely asleep.

Of course, there aren’t many people who enjoy having someone poke around in their mouths with various tools, and for someone who suffers from serious sensory problems, such as a person with Down Syndrome, sedation can be the best option. Sedation is essential if the patient is in for extensive dental work, such as major surgery, to stay completely still throughout a long procedure.