The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in late July providing guidance for pediatricians on how to address oral health in children and youth with developmental disabilities, including those with autism. It also highlights the challenges facing children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families in getting dental treatment.
The first of those is that they are more likely to have oral disease symptoms, including more plaque, poorer gingival health, and poorer oral hygiene than other children and youth, often due to medications, sensitivities, and adaptive behaviors. Those challenges can make both home hygiene and dental appointments difficult. Treatments and medications can also create obstacles.
In its updated report, the AAP offers evidence-based information, recommendations, and guidance to pediatricians to assist them to provide proper care. Their recommendations include:
In addition, the guidance addresses how to manage self-injurious behaviors, the pros and cons of sedation and general anesthesia, and outlines considerations for individuals with adaptive behaviors, such as biting on nonfood objects.
The report also notes that transitioning to an adult dental care provider can be difficult. Pediatricians can help in this transition by providing medical records and including dental care as part of their overall adolescent transition plan to future primary care providers.
“Children and youth with developmental disabilities may have a harder time communicating their needs or need extra help in caring for their teeth,” said Dr. Elise Sarvas, lead author of the report, in a DisabilityScoop article. “It’s important that pediatric medical and dental clinicians can identify oral health needs and communicate with families and each other about how to best provide services to a child.”
Sherri Alms is the freelance editor of The OARacle, a role she took on in 2007. She has been a freelance writer and editor for more than 20 years.
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