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.
How Can Intellectual Disabilities Impact Oral Health?
Intellectual disabilities are any diagnoses that impact learning and everyday life skills. For some people, their ID can have smaller impacts on their lives, while others may require more access needs and daily assistance and support. It’s important to keep this in mind while considering how your disabilities could impact your health.
Some of the most common ways that an ID can affect your oral health include:
- Impacted ability to perform certain self-care and hygiene habits, such as properly brushing your teeth and flossing daily.
- Higher prevalence of tube feeding.
- Affected access to quality healthcare and proper hygiene products.
- Presence of trained and knowledgeable caregivers.
- Other disabilities, such as Down syndrome, autism, etc.
- Increased chances of oral health habits and conditions, such as mouth-breathing, bruxism, and tongue thrusting.
While these may affect some adults with intellectual disabilities, it’s important to keep in mind that everybody is different.
What is the Connection Between Oral & Overall Health?
Untreated oral health problems like gum disease, teeth grinding, cavities, and tooth infections can lead to cascading impacts on your overall health. Gum disease is an infection of the foundation of your smile (your gums), and when left untreated, it’s possible for the infection to enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body. Likewise, decay can also spread to surrounding teeth, requiring more extensive interventions and increasing your risk of additional health concerns.
Tips for Boosting Oral Health in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
If you are a caretaker or an adult with an ID, here are some helpful tips to boost your oral health:
- Attend regular checkups and cleanings with your disability dentist in Grand Prairie.
- Purchase adaptive dental hygiene products recommended by your dentist to help make brushing and flossing at home possible and more comfortable.
- Have a caregiver be present in the dental room for educational purposes and helpful tips from your dentist.
Having a dentist who is knowledgeable about how to care for patients with intellectual disabilities is important for your long-term health and wellbeing. Accessible dental offices can also help you have a more comfortable and stress-free experience each time you visit the dentist, which can make it easier to keep up with your preventive care!
About the Practice
At Disability Dental Services, all of our providers solely provide dental care to patients with different disabilities. Whether you or your loved one has autism, Down syndrome, or physical disabilities, our office and providers are equipped with the knowledge and adaptive technology to make their experience excellent. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 972-433-7294.