Oral Health for Individuals with Special Needs

COVID-19 and People with Disabilities

According to the CDC, disability alone may not be related to higher risk for getting COVID-19 or having illness, but it is still important to protect loved ones and yourself. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website regarding people with disabilities here.

Oral Health for Individuals with Special Needs

You are not healthy without good oral health. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can face more challenges to receiving quality dental care than their healthier counterparts. It is important for caregivers to provide patients with help in taking care of their oral health.

Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride and a soft-bristle toothbrush
An electronic toothbrush will also work
Use a pea-size amount of toothpaste
Eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole-grains daily
Visit the dentist once every 6 months

Are you a caregiver?

Caregivers should assist with helping patients by using the “hand under hand” technique or using toothbrushes with thicker handles to help with low dexterity issues. Caregivers can assist with brushing a patient’s teeth.

Caring for patients with special health care needs

Caring for special needs patients—individuals with physical, medical, developmental or cognitive conditions—takes compassion and understanding. Learn what dentists can do to meet the needs of special needs patients