Access to special care dentistry, part 1. Access

Abstract

This first article in the series will define special care dentistry, who requires it and why? It considers recent legislation and its impact on the primary care practitioner, including reasonable adjustments to the way in which dental care is delivered. It offers practical tips to encourage access to the dental practice and transfer to the dental chair and advice on techniques to aid access to the oral cavity for patients with a range of impairments.

Access to special care dentistry, part 6. Special care dentistry services for young people

“…Thought needs to be given to whether brushing and pre ventive aids are required and how they are best used (see part 4 of this series 9 for more information). Interestingly, proficiency with jigsaw puzzles is fre quently reported amongst people with PWS, reflecting strong visual-percep tual skills.…”

“…An ear lier article in this series provides more detailed information about the preven tive measures available. 9 To avoid adverse drug interactions with any usually prescribed psychiatric medications, it is advised that the British National Formulary is consulted to review up-to-date advice before prescribing antibiotics, analgesics and sedatives. 65 The majority of people with BD will be able to give the informed consent required for dental treatment.…”

Postępowanie stomatologiczne u dziecka z porażeniem nerwu twarzowego – opis przypadku

“…Eating difficulties, loss of appetite and failure to gain weight are often encountered in hemiparesis and facial palsy patients due to the poor masticatory function [12]. In the present case, the patient was advised to take multi-vitamin supplements, as well as to increase the intake of energy-rich food supplements, to sip water often and to eat at regular intervals during the day.…”

“…Fluoride rinse may not be useful in facial palsy patients, as it may be difficult for the patient to use. In such cases, swabbing the gingivae with 0.2% chlorhexidine solution or applying 1% chlorhexidine gel with a finger, a toothbrush or in individually made soft plastic trays are effective alternatives [12,13].…”

“…In the present case, though the salivary flow rate was not measured, it was observed that the consistency of the saliva was viscous, thick and ropey. Saliva substitutes, fluoride varnish application, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate complexes, which can be applied daily using a dry gauze-protected finger or a cotton bud, can be a useful preventive therapy [12].…”