Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2009
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
10
Issue:
4

Strategies for the prevention of dental caries in people with disabilities: a review of risk factors, adapted preventive measures and cognitive support

Abstract Aim: Individuals with disabilities have an increased caries risk mainly owing to impaired oral clearance, inappropriate food choices, difficulties in oral hygiene routines including use of fluorides, and low overall understanding of healthy behaviour. Although individuals with disabilities have an urgent need of effective preventive measures, their ability to accomplish such measures themselves is severely limited. Objectives: This paper reviews methods and products adapted to cognitive, intellectual and physical disabilities intended to prevent dental caries. Results: Training programmes that stimulate oral motor function and oral sensory perception can improve oral clearance. Frequency of meals and choices of food can be influenced by increased knowledge among care staff and the individuals themselves. Different kinds of cognitive support can also enable people with disabilities to independently make healthy food choices, and cognitive support and assistive devices can facilitate oral hygiene and use of fluorides. Impaired oral clearance leads to increased caries risk but, at the same time, increases the effect of fluorides. Tooth brushing with toothpaste is a population-based strategy used by most people. When supplemental fluoride is needed more frequent use of tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste or a higher concentration of fluoride becomes a useful method, well known by people with disabilities and care staff. Conclusions: Adaptation of products and methods to the individual impairment accords with a person’s rights to autonomy and independence, and implies empowerment for people with disabilities.

Key words: Dietary habits, disability, fluoride, oral clearance, oral hygiene

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
184
Page End
192
Authors
Pia Gabre

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  1. Appropriate referrals to Special Care Dentistry: a retrospective study
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  1. An audit of a protocol for the management of patients with hereditary bleeding disorders undergoing dental treatment
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  1. Parental perceptions of oral health and access to oral health care services for children with special educational needs in South Bedfordshire
  2. 156
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  1. Frequency and distribution of gingival bleeding in a population of para-athletes competing at the III Para-Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro 2007
  2. 163
  3. 168

  1. Retrospective audit of the prescribed systemic medication taken by adults using Salaried Primary Care Dental Services in Warwickshire and implications for dental care
  2. 169
  3. 174

  1. The knowledge and attitudes of North Wales healthcare professionals to bisphosphonate associated osteochemonecrosis of the jaws
  2. 175
  3. 183

  1. Strategies for the prevention of dental caries in people with disabilities: a review of risk factors, adapted preventive measures and cognitive support
  2. 184
  3. 192

  1. BSDH Guidelines
  2. 193
  3. 193

  1. Reviewers
  2. 195
  3. 195

  1. Diary Dates 2010
  2. 196
  3. 196

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