Here are five expert dental tips from a trusted St. Louis sedation dentist. Learn how to prevent cavities, protect your smile, and reduce dental anxiety.
Taking care of your smile isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying healthy, confident, and pain-free. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in patient-centered care, especially for those who experience dental anxiety, have special needs, or require advanced sedation dentistry. 💙
Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
TWENTY YEARS! That is how long our special needs son has been seeing Dr Hoffman and his dedicated team! Our son suffers from an intellectual disability, is non-verbal, and is unable to cooperate for dental cleaning, x-rays, or other routine dental work. He requires general anesthesia. It is such a blessing to avoid a hospital setting just for dental work.
The team is always well staffed, friendly, personable and very professional. Every single year we have been supported by a deeply caring team who are dedicated to patients with a very wide range of disabilities and needs. They have shared useful dental advice and tools (3 sided toothbrushes, blocks to hold open their mouth for daily at-home care, etc.) which improved our son’s daily dental care. We always receive a call back the day after to check his recovery-even on weekends!
Highly recommended and so appreciative to have this team supporting our ever long road of raising a special needs son.
Response from the owner:Wow — thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review! We are so grateful for your trust and for allowing our team to be part of your family’s journey over the years. It means so much to us to know that our care and support have made a difference. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!
We've been coming to Dr.Hoffman for twenty years. There's a reason we keep coming back! He's great. His staff is great. He's double boarded as an MD (Anesthesia) and DDS!!! Our son with special needs needs sedation for even a cleaning. You get what you pay for. He's expensive and... we know he's getting the best care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting our team over the years and for your kind words about Dr. Hoffmann and our staff. We truly value your confidence in the care we provide!
Omg!! This place is Amazing! The people who work here are so very nice and understanding. I love this team
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate your support and are grateful to have such wonderful patients.
Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has
dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence.
Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
1️⃣ Brush Like a Pro – Twice a Day! 🪥
It may sound simple, but brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes is the foundation of excellent oral health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles.
Pro Tip: Try using an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. It makes brushing easier and more effective, especially for kids or individuals with sensory sensitivities.
2️⃣ Don’t Skip Flossing – Your Gums Will Thank You! 🧵
Flossing cleans 35% of your tooth surface that brushing alone misses. Daily flossing helps prevent cavities between teeth and protects against gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
For Our Patients with Special Needs: If traditional floss is difficult, consider using floss picks or water flossers—gentle, accessible tools that make it easier to reach every spot.
3️⃣ Routine Checkups – Not Just When It Hurts 🦷
Scheduling a dental exam every 6 months is one of the best ways to prevent problems before they start. These visits allow us to catch small issues early, when they’re easy and inexpensive to treat.
✅ We offer gentle cleanings and sedation options for patients with anxiety or disabilities, making your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
4️⃣ Eat and Drink Smart – Your Teeth Notice! 🥦
What you eat has a direct impact on your dental health. Minimize sugary snacks, acidic drinks (like soda), and sticky foods that cling to teeth. Instead, snack on:
- 🧀 Cheese (helps neutralize acids)
- 🥕 Crunchy veggies (natural toothbrush effect)
- 💧 Water (keeps your mouth clean and hydrated)
Avoid bedtime snacks or drinks unless it’s water, especially for children and those with limited mobility.
5️⃣ Protect Your Smile – Mouthguards & More 🛡️
Whether you grind your teeth at night (bruxism) or play contact sports, a custom mouthguard can prevent chipped teeth, jaw strain, and expensive dental repairs.
We create custom-fitted night guards and sports mouthguards for patients of all ages, including special accommodations for those with sensory needs.
💬 Final Thought from Your St. Louis Dentist
Preventive care is more than brushing—it’s about empowering patients of all backgrounds to feel confident and safe at the dentist. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we’re proud to offer sedation dentistry, special needs care, and a welcoming environment that meets you exactly where you are.
Have questions or need a gentle checkup? 📞 Request an Appointment Online — your healthiest smile is just one visit away.
