Periodontal disease in special needs patients: A review

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are at risk for oral illness and have a difficult time getting routine and preventive dental care. It comes third in terms of unmet requirements, after residential services and career options for this group of people. Oral health has a detrimental impact on one's general health and quality of life. Significantly higher incidence of dental caries, periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, low expectations, fear of treatment, and lack of information among persons and caregivers are all factors contributing to this condition. Other concerns include difficulty getting dental treatment or rejection of services due to a lack of education and clinical expertise, inappropriate bias, or inadequate provider compensation. Individualized and coordinated care services, as well as education of persons, carers, and providers, including both classroom and clinical experiences with special needs patients in dental programmes, are all strategies to improve service delivery.