Countering the poor oral health of people with intellectual and developmental disability: a scoping literature review

Abstract

Background: People with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) have poor oral health and need support to maintain optimal oral health outcomes. Little is known about how, when and where to intervene for this population. Thus the aim of this review was to summarise the existing evidence surrounding improving oral health outcomes for people with IDD. Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted focusing on 'oral health' and 'intellectual disability'. Systematic searches of five electronic databases were conducted in line with the study aims and two authors independently examined all records for relevance, with consensus achieved by a third author. Results: A small number of approaches and interventions were identified to support people with IDD to independently maintain optimal oral hygiene. Identified studies highlighted that caregivers play a vital role in the provision of oral health support, emphasising the effectiveness of educational interventions for caregivers. However, there was uncertainty regarding the efficacy of specific tooth brushing interventions for people with IDD. In cases of more severe IDD and/or dental-related behavioural problems, dental treatment under general anaesthesia was often both a necessary and effective method of oral health care provision. The findings also identified outreach and exclusive oral health services as successful strategies for increasing the limited access of people with IDD to oral care services. Conclusions: A uniform approach to supporting oral health for people with IDD is unlikely to succeed. A systembased approach is needed to address the diverse needs of the population of people with IDD, their caregivers and service context. Further high quality evidence is required to confirm these findings.

Priority concerns for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Epilepsy care has been conceivably adversely affected by the lack of face-to-face consultations in certain situations. Vagus nerve stimulation assessments, physical exams, assessing weight, dental checks, 27 as well as assessing biochemical and nutritional variables (for ketogenic diet) have all been significantly more difficult to coordinate. 28,29 Monitoring risk in IDD populations from seizure-related harms and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is possible by telemedicine methods using validated checklists.…”

Oral Health Professional Alert on Special Care Dentistry

“…Dentists reported having difficulty treating such patients. The complexity in treating patients with special needs, the variety of medical conditions or disabilities that require more time or altered delivery methods than the routine delivery of dental care for the general population, 9 and sometimes patients required special methods and techniques to treat their oral health conditions has led to low preparedness and willingness of oral health professionals to treat patients with special needs. 10 It requires a holistic approach that is dentist led in order to meet the complex requirements of people with impairments.…”

Oral Health Awareness and Practices of Special Needs Caregivers in Qatif, Saudi Arabia

“…Dental care for individuals with disabilities requires specialized knowledge and skills in addition to heightened community awareness of proper oral health practices (2). Studies show that individuals with special health needs are more vulnerable to oral diseases throughout their life (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). Compromised oral health often leads to serious health issues, which can significantly affect the individual quality of life.…”

“…Hence, more attention should be paid to improve the oral health of individuals, especially those with special health needs. However, many parents/caregivers of individuals with special needs do not have adequate background or awareness of special care dentistry and homecare regimens in such individuals, putting them at higher risk of poor oral health outcomes (11,12).…”

“…Evidence of global literature indicates that good oral health awareness and positive attitudes of parents/caregivers toward it play a role in maintaining optimal oral health in such children or dependents (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). Caregivers of individuals with special needs should take special care of their dependents due to their oral health peculiarities (i e, impaired oral hygiene), poor neuromuscular coordination, inadequate intellectual development, and use of sweetened foods and medicines (10,11,21). Multiple studies from Saudi Arabia on this Copyright © 2021, Author(s).…”