A Guide to Good Oral Health for Persons with Special Needs
You're Not Healthy without Good Oral Health
For the millions of people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities, dental care is often not a top priority and takes a back seat to more pressing medical issues. However, maintaining good oral health should be a priority for everyone.
In the words of former United States Surgeon General C. Everett Koop: "You are not a healthy person unless you have good oral health. Oral health is part of general health and it can affect your overall health and your quality of life." It is well documented that oral disease — tooth decay, oral cancer, periodontal disease, tooth loss — is one of the most widespread of all chronic health conditions.
Unlike the common cold, which left untreated will resolve itself, oral disease can lead to complications that can be difficult and expensive to cure. The good news is that dental disease is much easier to prevent than to treat. Dentistry has made great strides in the last decade and research proves that proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can prevent many dental diseases.
This guide is designed to help you develop and maintain a complete oral hygiene program for the person with special needs. These pages are devoted to easy-to-follow instructions on proper brushing, rinsing, and flossing techniques, as well as suggestions for alternate positions for these activities. You will also find important information about common dental problems, including oral health considerations during the growth and development of a child with special needs.
This guide does not take the place of regular visits to the dentist. With regular cleanings and check-ups, everyone can have beautiful and healthy smile.
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This Guide to Good Oral Health for Persons with Special Needs was produced with the support of Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, presented by Special Smiles and Boston University.
Authors: Steven P. Perlman, DDS, MScD; Clive Friedman, DDS; Glenn H. Kaufhold
Special thanks to Susann Clifford, RDH; Kathy Olson, RDH; and David Tesini, DMD |
