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DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND ORAL HEALTH

Medically Reviewed
by Dr. Lara Coseo
Written by
Alyssa Hill
Evidence Based
9 sources cited
NewMouth is reader supported. We may earn a commission if you purchase something
using one of our links.

Jump to topic

 * Dental Conditions Associated with Developmental Disabilities
 * Down Syndrome
 * Autism
 * Cystic fibrosis (CF)

Jump to topic

 * Dental Conditions Associated with Developmental Disabilities
 * Down Syndrome
 * Autism
 * Cystic fibrosis (CF)


HOW CAN DISABILITIES IMPACT ORAL HEALTH?

Developmental disabilities can impact a person’s general and oral health
standing. This is because certain disorders impair learning, physical, language,
and behavioral capabilities. In addition, practicing good oral hygiene at home
may be difficult, which can lead to serious oral health issues over time.


DENTAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Developmental disabilities are typically life-long conditions that make it more
challenging to complete simple daily activities. For example, a person may not
be able to bathe, dress, or feed themselves on their own. As a result, disabled
people have a higher risk of developing health issues, which also includes oral
infections. 

Common developmental disabilities that may lead to adverse oral health outcomes
include, but are not limited to:  


DOWN SYNDROME

Down syndrome is a common disability when a person is born with an extra
chromosome. In short, chromosomes make up your genes, which determine how your
body develops, functions, and forms in the womb and after birth.

In most cases, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Although, a baby with Down
syndrome is born with an additional copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome
changes how a child’s body and brain develop, which creates both physical and
mental challenges throughout life. 

Down syndrome impacts a person’s general health and also makes it challenging to
complete daily activities. Additionally, Down syndrome can also affect an
individual’s oral health.

In particular, they commonly develop oral health issues, such as:

PERIODONTAL DISEASE (PD)

This is the most prevalent oral health issue diagnosed in patients with Down
syndrome. In short, PD is the most severe form of gum disease that results in
permanent bone loss. It is caused by the long-term buildup of plaque and tartar
(hardened plaque).

Since people with Down syndrome tend to neglect oral care, this disease often
spreads rapidly. As a result, many people begin losing permanent anterior
(front) teeth during their teenage years. 




OTHER CONTRIBUTING CONDITIONS

These include cavities, conical-shaped tooth roots, malocclusion (misaligned
teeth), dental trauma, and bruxism (teeth grinding).


AUTISM

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impairs a person’s ability to talk and interact.
Children with severe autism may also have trouble cooperating in a dental
office, which makes routine oral care difficult to accomplish every six months.
However, most people with mild or moderate autism can be treated normally in a
dental setting. 

It is also common for those with autism to develop inconsistent at-home oral
care routines, which increases the risk of cavities and other dental infections.
Lastly, certain medications taken for autism can cause generalized gingivitis
(mild gum disease). 


CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic and genetic respiratory disorder that results
in poor lung function. The condition is present at birth but is not considered a
physical disability until the child is older. Common symptoms of CF include
coughing up mucus, frequent lung infections, and breathing difficulties. Over
time, the lungs become permanently damaged. The pancreas, livers, and kidneys
may be affected as well.

Additionally, an individual may experience oral health complications, such as:

 * Enamel defects, particularly enamel opacities, that appear as white spots in
   the middle of tooth crowns. Risk factors of opacities include dental erosion
   and cavities. 
 * Increased calculus (hardened plaque) buildup that results in cavities and
   periodontal issues. 
 * High risk for cavities due to dry mouth, which is a common complication of
   inhaled breathing treatments that treat CF.






RELATED PAGES:

Physical Disabilities and Oral Health Oral Health and Overall Health Effects of
Drug Addiction on Oral Health Effects of Diabetes on Oral Health


RESOURCES

Children with Cerebral Palsy - Dental School Seattle WA.
dental.washington.edu/wp-content/media/sp_need_pdfs/CP-Dental.pdf.

Delwel, Suzanne, et al. “Oral Hygiene and Oral Health in Older People with
Dementia: a Comprehensive Review with Focus on Oral Soft Tissues.” Clinical Oral
Investigations, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Jan. 2018,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5748411/.

“Developmental Disabilities and Oral Health Information and Resources.” National
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services,
www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/developmental-disabilities/more-info.

“Facts about Down Syndrome.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Dec. 2019,
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html.

Kalyoncu, Işıl Özgül, and Ilknur Tanboga. “Oral Health Status of Children with
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Compared with Non-Authentic Peers.” Iranian Journal
of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Nov. 2017,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5696703/.

Narang, A. “Oral Health and Related Factors in Cystic Fibrosis and Other Chronic
Respiratory Disorders.” Archives of Disease in Childhood, vol. 88, no. 8, Jan.
2003, pp. 702–707., doi:10.1136/adc.88.8.702,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12876168/

Practical Oral Care for People With Autism.
www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/practical-oral-care-autism.pdf.

Practical Oral Care for People With Cerebral Palsy.
www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/practical-oral-care-cerebral-palsy.pdf.

Practical Oral Care for People With Down Syndrome.
www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/practical-oral-care-down-syndrome.pdf.


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Home » What Is Oral Health? Common Oral Conditions & Prevention Tips » Oral
Health and Overall Health » Developmental Disabilities and Oral Health

Author: Alyssa Hill
Updated on: September 24, 2021
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Lara Coseo

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TREATMENT



 * Cosmetic Dentistry
 * Restorative Dentistry
 * Pediatric Dentistry
 * Orthodontics
 * General Dentistry
 * Dental Specialists
 * Family Dentistry

ORAL HEALTH


 * Cavities
 * Tooth Abscesses
 * Dental Erosion
 * Dry Mouth
 * Periodontal Disease
 * Gingivitis
 * Oral Cancer

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