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.
Childhood
In childhood, patients with developmental disabilities can be impacted most by not seeing a dentist that meets their accessibility needs. This can include creating a less stimulating office environment for those with sensitivities to lights, sounds, and smells, just as an example. When this happens, it can start the child off on the wrong foot, as they may not feel comfortable going in for cleanings or checkups, which are crucial to good oral health.
Young Adulthood
As your child grows into a teenager and young adult, they’re likely at a higher risk of developing dental health concerns such as cavities and gum disease. This can lead to dental emergencies, toothaches, and more serious conditions if the problems aren’t handled early on. A special needs dentist can help manage these concerns before they progress and provide your young adult with important tools and education to become more independent in their oral hygiene routine.
Midlife
We use our teeth every day, which leads to common wear and tear. Patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often at a higher risk of teeth grinding (known as bruxism) as well. To help combat the long-term damage on their teeth and jaw joints, their special needs dentist can offer helpful preventive solutions, such as a nightguard, as well as restore damaged teeth. They can also prevent tooth loss by restoring and strengthening previously treated or worn-down teeth.
Later Adulthood
In older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the main goal of oral healthcare is to maintain the structural integrity, function, and comfort of their smile. This can be done by protecting any remaining natural teeth, simplifying complex treatment plans to lead to less stressful dental visits, and helping manage common dental concerns that lead to tooth loss, like gum disease.
How Can a Special Needs Dentist Help?
The best way to prevent dental concerns from arising is by choosing a professional that you and your loved one trust and feel comfortable with. Special needs dentists are familiar with the unique needs and barriers of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This means that there’s a lot more that you won’t have to teach or explain to them because they understand your loved ones’ needs.
Although dental problems are a natural part of aging, seeing a dentist regularly (especially one that helps your loved one build great oral hygiene habits) can make dental treatments a less predominant part of their life.
About the Practice
Disability Dental was started by a dentist anesthesiologist, Dr. Frank Ford, over 14 years ago. Today, our team includes four highly skilled providers that serve patients with special needs with effective, comfortable, understanding, and accessible dental care. Whether your loved one is a child or a senior, we can give them with the most comfortable and positive dental experience in Texas. To learn more, visit our website or call 972-433-7294.