Disability Dental Services Blog

In adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), it can be harder to maintain a healthy smile. And unfortunately, oral health problems like gum disease that develop from poor oral hygiene can also impact your overall health. If you’re an adult with an ID or a caretaker of someone with an ID, read on to learn more about how oral habits are correlated with overall health and what you can do to keep your or your loved ones’ health on the right track.

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Intellectual and developmental disabilities impact countless children, teens, and adults across the country. The American Dental Association draws specific attention to the risk of dental diseases being much higher for aging adults, and then when you pair that with certain barriers due to developmental disabilities, that risk can become even higher. If you have someone in your life with an intellectual or developmental disability, you can learn more about how their oral hygiene needs can change as they age by reading below.  

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Patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities deserve to have a comfortable dental experience. Visiting a special needs dentist that has accessible equipment, staff that’s knowledgeable of unique barriers faced by disabled patients, and provides safe dental sedation can truly redefine what it means to go to the dental office. Read on to learn more about how dentists who only see special needs patients in Grand Prairie adapt their care for adults with intellectual disabilities.  

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Are you the caregiver of someone who is living with autism? You understand the challenges of maintaining regular dental checkups and cleanings. Whether it’s the sights and sounds that are the problem or the uncertainty about what will occur, ensuring a professional evaluates their oral health can be a cumbersome task. Although difficult, these visits are essential for enjoying life with a healthier smile. Keep reading to learn why these appointments should be kept.

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Visiting the dentist’s office can be a nerve-wracking experience for many patients. Yet, for those with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities, dental anxiety can be even more problematic. Adults with disabilities often struggle with greater dental challenges, so finding a solution to ease these nerves is imperative. Fortunately, there are several ways a dentist can help patients remain calm while in the treatment chair.

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Adults living with physical and intellectual disabilities can often experience significant challenges when it comes to their oral health. Those who are more mature in age may also experience limited dexterity, making brushing and flossing increasingly difficult. Unfortunately, gum disease does not discriminate, so it can affect anyone, regardless of their ability. If you are a caregiver for someone with cognitive or physical disabilities, here are 3 ways to help reduce their risk of gum disease and safeguard their smile and body.

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If it’s been a long time since you’ve been to the dentist, your return may feel overwhelming. This is especially the case if you are an adult with autism. Autistic adults often have more reasons for avoiding the dental office than just simple procrastination. Research shows that those with autism experience higher rates of dental anxiety. Continue reading to learn more about returning to the dentist when you have autism and some steps you can take to make your experience even more pleasant.

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For people living with illnesses such as epilepsy, helping them maintain a healthy, beautiful smile often requires a few extra steps. Here’s a closer look at a few common oral health problems epileptic patients may encounter, and what you can do to help protect their teeth and gums at home.

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Navigating dental emergencies is hard enough, but trying to handle these situations when an individual in pain has autism can be even more challenging. Although you know what can help keep them calm, it can still be a struggle, especially when trying to get them professional dental care. To ensure this scenario remains as stress-free as possible, here are 3 quick strategies to keep in mind.

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The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. This allows your dentist to monitor your condition and treat any areas of concern, like swollen, bleeding gums or tooth decay, before they can progress into more serious problems.

However, if you or a loved one has certain developmental disabilities or genetic syndromes, you might have additional challenges regarding dental care. For instance, those with epilepsy or other conditions might have a seizure during their appointment. Continue reading to learn how your provider is likely to handle this situation if it occurs!

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