Understanding Special Needs Dentistry

Children with special needs need oral treatment much like anyone else; however they benefit most from seeing a dentist who caters explicitly to these patients. Often, special needs kids have special dental considerations; some are very susceptible to tooth decay; others require medication or a diet that is detrimental to dental health. Still, others find brushing and flossing to be difficult.

At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics, we're proud to have a team of doctors who are specially trained in providing dental care for handicapped and special healthcare needs patients! 

Special Needs Dentists

A special needs dentist is specially trained to care for their patients with unique dental and developmental considerations. We understand how your child’s teeth may be affected and do everything we can to make your visit a positive experience. By visiting the same dentist for each appointment, your child will be able to bond and feel more comfortable every time.

Special Needs Considerations

In some cases, your child may not understand why exactly they are at the dentist or why it is important to stay still during their appointment. To be sure that your child’s dental work is done correctly and safely you may need to consider restraint or sedation. Before your appointment, our doctors will discuss the different methods that can be used to guarantee your child’s comfort. At this time, you may also want to discuss any medications, dietary restrictions, and any other habits your child has that may affect their teeth.

If you're looking for a special needs dentist on Long Island, we're only a phone call away! Now with FOUR locations, we specialize in caring for children's teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Contact us today to learn more.

Exploring Dental Health with Children on the Spectrum

We know that oral health is a very important piece of daily living, but for children with autism - developing the proper dental health habits can be challenging. As we finish up Autism Awareness Month, we wanted to continue to share some tips for those with children on the spectrum: 

Get started at home: For some children with autism, brushing may be difficult. You may need to desensitize them to help them get used to the sensation of brushing. Start by touching a toothbrush to the lips or just inside the mouth. Eventually you may be able to begin brushing one tooth for a second or two. Showing your child how you brush can also be helpful.

Accommodate their needs: While sure, most of us brush our teeth in the bathroom - a child with autism may feel more comfortable elsewhere. Feel free to accommodate their needs - sit with them on a couch or another area of the home they feel at ease.

Use visual aids: Visual supports and schedules can also come in handy. For one example - you may choose to photograph each step of the tooth brushing process, print them, add Velcro to the backs and place them in chronological order on a board. Once each step of the process is complete, remove that image.

Find the right dentist: At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, we are devoted to providing the best mental and dental care for all of our patients, including those with special healthcare needs. Our doctors are specially trained in special needs dentistry and are committed to providing your child with the attention and care they deserve to create a positive dental experience.

Majority of our special needs patients are treated in the chair, awake - but we also offer in house sedation when needed. If you have a child on the spectrum, or with other special needs, please give us a call to come in for a walk through. You and your child will be able to visit the office prior to having an actual ‘appointment.’ During that visit you can meet the dentists, tour the office, sit in the dental chair and ask any questions or concerns you may have. Contact us for more information today.

Dental Care for Children on the Spectrum

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For parents with a child on the autism spectrum, it’s not uncommon to hear that little things - like a hair cut or a dental visit can pose a bit of a challenge. However, choosing to avoid dental visits until there’s a potential emergency can lead to even more dental work down the line.

But as you know, dental care isn’t only about dental visits - it also includes making sure teeth are being cleaned at home, 2 minutes, 2 times a day. Work to get your child into this lifelong, healthy habit using these tips, courtesy of the New York Times:

• Start early - Once diagnosed with autism, introduce your child to the idea of the toothbrush. Additionally, begin dental visits early - our special needs patients tend to benefit from repeat exposure to an environment.
• Take it slow- Your child may not feel comfortable with the toothbrush or an electric toothbrush immediately - and this is OK. Begin brushing one tooth, for one second. A few days later you may be able to brush for 2 seconds.
• Reward - Try a small reward each time your child allows the toothbrush in their mouth. Not a candy reward, perhaps a snippet of their favorite song on your phone or iPod.
• Provide choices - Let your child have some control. Offer a selection of toothpastes or brushes that your child can select from before the brushing begins.
• Watch the amount of toothpaste - A smear is enough to get the job done. You want to make sure excess paste isn’t on the brush, especially for children who have a hard time spitting it out. When your child begins brushing on their own, a wall mounted toothpaste dispenser may aid in providing the appropriate amount each time.

At Adelberg and Montalvan Pediatric Dental, we are devoted to providing the best mental and dental care for all of our patients, including those with special healthcare needs. Our doctors are specially trained in special needs dentistry and are committed to providing your child with the attention and care they deserve to create a positive dental experience.

Majority of our special needs patients are treated in the chair, awake - but we also offer in house sedation when needed. If you have a child on the spectrum, or with other special needs, please give us a call to come in for a walk through. You and your child will be able to visit the office prior to having an actual ‘appointment.’ During that visit you can meet the dentists, tour the office, sit in the dental chair and ask any questions or concerns you may have. Contact us for more information today.

World Autism Awareness Day: Dental Care for Children with Autism

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Autism affects 1 in 68 US children, more common than pediatric AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined. Children with autism can have difficulties with communication, social interaction, and sensory processing - characteristics that pose very unique challenges in the dental setting:

Some of these challenges include:

• Communication problems - being able to communicate at the patient’s intellectual and functional abilities
• Behavior problems - may include hyperactivity and quick frustration. The invasive nature of oral care may trigger violent and self-injurious behavior (IE: temper tantrums or head banging).
• Unusual responses to stimuli - can create distractions and interrupt treatment. Children with autism can be especially sensitive to changes in their environment and each reaction may vary. Some may overreact to noise and touch, while exposure to pain may not provoke a reaction at all.
• Unusual and unpredictable body movements - these movements can jeopardize safety as well as the delivery of proper oral health care.
• Seizures - the mouth is always at risk during a seizure (IE: chipped tooth, bitten tongue or cheeks).

At Adelberg and Montalvan Pediatric Dental, we are devoted to providing the best mental and dental care for all of our patients, including those with special healthcare needs. Our doctors are specially trained in special needs dentistry and are committed to providing your child with the attention and care they deserve to create a positive dental experience.

Our doctors have a comprehensive education in behavior management, sedation, and anesthesia techniques. Once a technique is chosen based on the specific needs of your child, our doctors will discuss the benefits, limits, and risks with you. Give us a call today for more information!

 

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

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DID YOU KNOW?

• Tooth decay is the number one chronic illness in children.
• 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental problems.
• Research shows that if a child’s tooth decay goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, speech problems and even loss of self-esteem.

Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. As you know, it’s important to develop good oral health habits at an early age (and scheduling regular dental visits) to help children get a jump start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist on Long Island - look no further! We have offices in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip with board certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists, and we provide laser dentistry, sedation dentistry, plus we also treat special needs patients.

Give us a call and visit us today!
Nesconset Office - 631.360.7337
Massapequa Park Office - 516.798.1111
West Islip Office - 631.661.7337

Looking for plans tomorrow? Come join us at the Interactive Special Needs Resource Fair in Wantagh!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Take a break from Super Bowl party preparations and come down to this FREE family event from 10am - 4pm tomorrow at The Mosaic School (1309 Wantagh Ave. Wantagh NY 11793).

There will be arts & crafts, yoga, zumba, magic, games, prizes, and more! This event will help special needs children of all ages prepare for life’s changed. Speak with us and other caring professionals devoted to enriching the lives of our children and their families.

We hope to see you there!

A bit more about it from Newsday:

The Interchange Business Organization (IBO) has teamed up with the Mosaic Foundation for Autism to bring an interactive special needs resource fair that will feature over 50 special needs industry professionals and educators specializing in more than 45 areas that include: cognitive development, special education, guardianship law and social security benefits. Also readily available to provide free counsel and answer questions during the Fair will be speech, music, and art therapists, sports/activity coordinators, parent coaches, financial consultants, child and adult advocates, and social program providers.

Adelberg Montalvan Featured in NYMetroParents

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

We've been featured in an article on NYMetroParents! Our new, West Islip, location is highlighted in addition to services we offer. See below for an excerpt and a link following to read the full article!

Thanks for the great write up NYMetroParents:

With offices located in Massapequa Park and Nesconset, Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental recently opened its West Islip location. The pediatric dental practice makes visiting the dentist a fun experience for kids, offering the highest quality dental care in a fun and enjoyable environment. All three offices are decorated in a under the sea theme to create a positive experience for children.

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental offers early dental care to help children develop good oral health habits, general dental treatment to keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy, sedation dentistry for fearful or anxious patients, laser dentistry, and dental care for children with special needs. The practice also offers orthodontic care, such as Invisalign Teen, braces, and retainers.

Full article here!