Special Needs Dentistry

Many people have a fear of the dentist, but special needs children can feel more severe anxiety or suffer from cognitive and physical problems that make visiting the dentist a debilitating experience.

Dr. Webb loves all children and always offers extra care with patience and compassion. That is what pediatric special needs dentistry is all about.

Special needs children can be more vulnerable to cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and broken teeth than other children. Home dental care can be a challenge and dental office visits can be scary for all children. Which why it is imperative to find a pediatric dentist who is educated, experienced and skilled when it comes to caring for your special needs child.

Special needs children may need a room that has dim lighting if they are light-sensitive or may need ear protection if they are sensitive to loud noises. Some special needs children can’t stop moving or twitching. Others may have mood swings. Some may not understand what is going on at all. But all children deserve care & love while getting the best dental treatment.

There are a variety of special needs children in the world, and each special need requires unique care, not a one size fits all approach. At Webb Pediatric Dentistry in Charlotte, Dr. Webb & her team provide care for children with special needs that include:

• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• ADHD/ADD
• Down Syndrome
• ODD
• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Vision and/or Hearing Impaired
• Sensitivity to Light and Sound
• Bi-Polar Disorder

Special needs children may face several key health issues that will have an impact on their lives. This may include:

• Social anxiety
• Difficulty brushing and flossing
• Inability to verbally communicate pain
• Fear of the dentist
• Webb Pediatric Dentistry understands these issues and takes them seriously.

The best type of preventative care you can provide is to make sure your special needs child practices a routine oral healthcare regimen every day. That includes brushing and flossing their teeth. Avoid sugary foods and drinks to reduce the risk of cavities.

Schedule dental appointments so Dr. Webb can regularly check your child’s teeth. Dr. Webb may recommend applying a sealant on your child’s molars to provide an extra layer of protection against cavity formation.

While a general family dentist can treat all members of your family, a pediatric dentist like dr. Webb has special training to treat children, including special needs children.

Dr. Webb & her team additional training giving them knowledge of child development, psychology, and growth that a general dentist may not possess.

Webb Pediatric Dentistry creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for special needs children to alleviate their feelings of anxiety and fear. We also encourage a meeting prior to your appointment so we can meet with you and your child so they can be familiar with us and we can get to know them.

Once we understand your child and their special needs, we can prepare for their appointment by turning down the lights, providing ear protection or reducing noise levels, and providing a gentle touch to make their visit as positive an experience as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about your little one's first dental visit, please contact Dr. Webb and her team by calling us at (704) 980–0545.

Not only does Dr. Webb provide a welcoming environment for special needs children, but she also seeks to educate parents and support them every step of the way as their child’s teeth grow and develop.

Dr. Webb and her dental team ensure you understand any dental procedures she may use to help alleviate your and your child's fears. Her special ability with children consists of sparking their interest in dental care and answering any question they may have.

During your child's first appointment, Dr. Webb will meet with you and your child and gather a list of any medication your child is currently taking and discuss any special needs or concerns. Once you and your child are comfortable, Dr. Webb will begin the exam of you child's oral health.