If your child has special needs, the dentist can be a stressful experience. In fact, even adults feel nervous at times! So, it’s completely understandable. We just want to make it as easy as possible for you and your child when you come to see us. Rest assured, our team is specifically trained to care for children with special needs.

However, we wanted to share a few ways to prepare your child for their upcoming appointment:

  • Bring your child in to see us beforehand.

We encourage you to bring your child in before their appointment, so they can become familiar with Dr. Alli, our team, and all the sights and sounds to expect for their appointment. At the same time, you may also want to read books at home that introduce the concept of the dentist in a positive way. All of this can help make it a positive experience for them before their appointment even begins.

  • Share information with our team about what can help your child.

If it will help your child if we moved quickly or if they are alarmed by fast activity, knowing that information can help us approach their dental treatments. You can even bring along favorite objects that help them relax while they are with us. We also have sedation options that are safe for your child which can calm them down and make it a better experience for them.

  • Try practicing at home.

While at home, you can have your child sit back in a recliner chair and you can pretend you’re at the dentist. Wear a mask like a dentist might that covers your mouth and nose and have your child open up their mouth and look in their teeth. The experience can get them used to how it will feel in the patient chair. 

  • Prepare questions and concerns ahead of time.

The more prepared you are for the appointment, the easier it will be overall. We’ll ask about your child’s dental health history, overall health history, and your at-home routines. If you are particularly concerned about a dental issue, be sure to let us know. We can also go over ways to make at-home care easier. So, feel free to address any areas of concern or any questions prior to the appointment or before we begin treatment. 

Your child with special needs deserves the same quality dental care as all children too. It’s our goal they experience a positive time while they are here, so they look forward to coming back to see us.  To visit Sprout and Bloom Pediatric Dentistry in Littleton, CO, call us today at 720-637-1760 to schedule an appointment or schedule online.