Dental hygiene is important for everyone, but individuals with disabilities often have challenges that can make maintaining good oral health more difficult. Challenges can arise from physical, cognitive, or sensory aversions and may limit the ability to complete routine dental care. Finding a dental provider that understands the individual needs and provides necessary supports is the most critical component.
Here are four dental related ideas that might make dental care easier:
- Routine and consistency: Establishing a clear, consistent routine for brushing and flossing can be very helpful.
- Visual aids: Using visual aids like charts, pictures, or step-by-step instructions can help reinforce habits
- Adaptive tools: Specially designed toothbrushes, like those with larger handles, brushes with a grip on the handle, electric toothbrushes, long-handled flossers and interdental brushes can help clean between teeth for those who have difficulty reaching certain areas.
- Desensitization: gradually introducing dental care tools or methods may help reduce anxiety and improve tolerance.
Equally important is finding a dentist that you like, who is flexible in working with an individual’s unique needs. I have had some great dentists and not so great dentists. I am fortunate to have found a fantastic dentist I have been going to for several years, Dr. Sean Roth. Dr. Roth and his team understand that I am better physically supported if I stay in my wheelchair versus transferring to the typical dental office chair. During the appointment, the team adjusts their equipment so I can tilt my chair back into position.
Part of my disability includes muscle tightness and mouth sensitivity to the dental tools. With this understanding, the dental team schedules additional time when calendaring my appointments so that we can take breaks as needed and have plenty of time. The staff is extremely professional, they discuss my dental needs and hygiene directly with me and talk through procedures so that I am aware of what to expect throughout the appointment.
In my opinion this approach of Dr. Roth and his team is a great example of encouraging a positive dental experience. Overall, dental hygiene for people with disabilities requires an individualized approach that considers their unique needs.
Did you know School Health offers oral health products, such as toothbrushes and accessories, storage and sanitizing, toothpaste and floss, mouthwash and fluoride, mouth care, and pain relief. Visit School Health to learn more.
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