Special Needs Dentistry – Jeffersonville, IN

A Safe, Comfortable Environment for Every Smile

As parents ourselves, we consider every child who comes to see us here at Limestone Dentistry special! However, we are eager to provide specialized and gentle care for children with physical and intellectual disabilities in Jeffersonville and the surrounding communities. We understand the unique challenges and delicate care that comes along with special needs dentistry, which is why we’ve created a safe, comfortable environment for every smile. Our state-of-the-art dental office is clean, relaxing, and accessible, and Dr. Eric Thornton and our team have years of experience caring for patients of all ages and stages of life.

If you have a child who requires special care, we are here to support you and help your little one enjoy a happy, healthy smile! Give us a call today to schedule your child’s appointment or learn more.

Why Choose Limestone Dentistry for Special Needs Dentistry?

  • Family-Focused Dental Practice
  • Our Team is Friendly & Has Years of Experience
  • Gentle & Safe Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available

Special Needs Present Unique Oral Challenges

Child with an intellectual or physical disability in Jeffersonville lounging on couch, smiling, and missing a tooth

For kids who are intellectually or physically challenged, certain oral health threats occur more commonly. Cavities, gum disease, enamel erosion, and misaligned teeth are just a few of the most common issues your little one’s special smile may be at a higher risk of. This can be due to a wide variety of reasons, including everything from teeth grinding, difficulty with toothbrushing, certain medications, natural tooth eruption, and a general hesitation to take them to a dental office.

Unfortunately, while it might be easy to let dental care slip by the wayside during your busy schedule, it’s essential to stay on top of it. Small problems like tooth decay and gingivitis can lead to large issues like painful tooth infections if left untreated. Plus, studies show that good oral health can influence systemic health and well-being, not to mention confidence!

How Do We Help Our Patients with Special Needs Feel Comfortable?

Boy with glasses smiling as he visits his dentist for special needs dentistry in Jeffersonville

We understand that seeking professional dental care for your child with disabilities can be challenging. We encourage you to give our office a call to discuss your family’s specific situation and learn how our office can accommodate you. Our caring and experienced team will never rush you or your child through your appointments, and we always go above and beyond to help little smiles have a fun time at the dental office! Aside from our friendly staff, our practice uses the latest dental technology for fast, easy, and precise diagnosis and treatments. Plus, we offer soothing nitrous oxide sedation to help patients feel relaxed and safe while we care for their smiles.

Just give us a call before your appointment to let us know about your little one’s special requirements, and we will make the necessary arrangements!

Dental Tips for Our Patients with Special Needs

Caregiver brushing teeth of a child with physical or intellectual disability in Jeffersonville

During your little one’s appointment, we’ll be happy to share some tips and recommendations for how to best care for their smile at home. After all, a key component to a healthy smile is routine care! Here are our top oral health tips for children with intellectual and physical disabilities:

  • Find dental products that work for your child: There are all manner of toothbrushes and flossers that are designed to make dental care easier. Consider small toothbrushes, electrical toothbrushes, long flossers, waterpiks, dental tools with larger and easier to grip handles, or whatever works for your unique situation.
  • Brush every day: The goal is to brush for two minutes twice a day, thoroughly cleaning the front, back, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Don’t forget to clean the gums and tongue as well!
  • Floss regularly: Flossing is tricky for nearly everybody, so make sure to be patient as you begin to work flossing into your child’s routine.
  • Come see us at least twice a year: We recommend scheduling your child’s dental visits every six months so we can help you maintain your child’s happy smile.

We will be happy to go over all these tips and more with you in person during your dental visit.