Intellectual Disabilities Dentistry
Oral Care For Patients With Intellectual Disabilities
Many people with intellectual disabilities are put at risk when it comes to their oral health, as there tends to be a lack of communication with dentists, as well as a lack of understanding about the needs of that patient.
For many patients with intellectual disabilities in St. Louis, not being able to understand the importance of prioritization of oral care can lead to difficulties down the road. For parents or caregivers, trying to get someone to maintain a healthy daily routine or even cooperate with oral care can be incredibly painstaking.
People with special needs and intellectual disabilities tend to become much more anxious when they know that they need to go to the dentist. For many patients, it can be as simple as knowing how to provide the correct reassurance to get them here safely and willingly.
Of course, some have more severe disabilities or medical problems, and many of those people require a bit of extra care or precaution.
Providing Better Oral Care For People With Intellectual Disabilities
Though it is a dentist’s job to provide the ultimate form of oral care, the path to a healthy mouth starts at home. As a parent or caregiver of someone with intellectual disabilities, there are several things that you can do to jumpstart that path.
As a parent or caregiver, you probably understand that people with intellectual learning disabilities often have a hard time expressing pain or discomfort in a way we understand. As a parent or caregiver to an individual, you must be aware of those changes in behavior that indicate illness, pain, or discomfort and be willing to share them with your dental provider.
Depending on their needs, some patients may need to be seen at specific times of the day. For patients who tend to tire or have strong anxiety, appointments in the evening may not be the best choice. Many patients with intellectual disabilities rely heavily on routines, and those who are planning on having regular appointments may need them all to be at the same time.
In many cases, people with intellectual disabilities have trouble getting proper oral health care when compared to the rest of the population. Because they don’t see the dentist as often, these oral health problems can begin to affect their overall health and wellness.
This is why it is so important for caregivers to prioritize oral health and learn how to adapt and create good routines for it so that bigger problems can be avoided down the road.
Making Your Appointment
When treating patients with intellectual disabilities in St. Louis, MO, the Dental Anesthesia Center is one of the top facilities. We use cutting-edge technology alongside sleep and sedation dentistry in many cases. Our team of dentists is well-trained and equipped to handle any patient, especially those with intellectual disabilities.
Putting off oral care due to the fear or anxiety of visiting the dentist will only be detrimental to that individual. Having a healthy mouth is vital to an individual’s well-being, and having routine checkups is important for maintaining that.
Call us at (314) 862-7844 to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.