Oral and dental health in people with developmental disability: introduction

People with developmental disability have a higher prevalence of periodontal disease and untreated dental caries than the general population, and more risk factors for oral and dental disease. Poor oral health can result in pain, poor self-esteem and restriction in oral function. It can increase the risk of local and systemic spread of infection, and contribute to aspiration pneumonia and acute airway compromise. Poorly controlled oral disease is also linked to chronic health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In people with developmental disability who have difficulty communicating, poor oral health can also contribute to altered or challenging behaviour.

General practitioners have a role in providing oral assessment (as part of the overall annual health assessment of people with developmental disability), and in promoting preventive oral care practices and adjustments to overcome cognitive or functional impairments. As in the general population, comprehensive oral assessment and management should be carried out by a dentist. If acute care for dental problems is needed (eg in rural or remote settings), ../../Oral_and_Dental/dtg/c_dtg3-c63-s1.html#dtg3-c63-s1__tdtg3-c63-tbl2 outlines triaging considerations.