Oral Health Care for Persons with Disabilities

Mental Disorders
Developmental Disorders: 

Autism Rain Man movie poster

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by:

  • poor social skills (inability to get along with people) 
  • lack of interpersonal relationships 
  • abnormal speech and language 
  • repetitive stereotyped activities 
  • mental retardation is common
These individuals are often receiving psychotopic medications which can cause xerostomia

In addition they have a known desire for sweet foods and generally have poor oral hygiene.

Therefore, these patient's are at increased risk for increased dental caries and periodontal disease

Patient's behavioral problems may present management difficulties. Behavior management should include behavior modification, positive einforcement and desensitization; however, sedation, restraint, and general anesthesia may be necessary when oral disease is extensive.

Patients who have autism may be receiving one or more of the following medications: 

  • antipsychotics
Previous Page Next Page