Learning disabilities and oral care

Everyone has the right to comprehensive, quality dental care. The oral health of those with learning disabilities can often be put at risk because of poor communication and a general lack of understanding about their needs.
An individual with a learning disability may not wholly understand or appreciate the importance of keeping a healthy mouth. This can be difficult for parents or carers trying to get the individual to co-operate with a healthy day-to-day routine.
Those with special needs may also become over-anxious at the thought of going to the dentist or may need extra reassurance. Those people suffering from severe medical problems may also need extra precautions or care.
What carers can do
To address this, there are several things you could do.
First and foremost, you should ensure those with learning disabilities have the opportunities to learn about their oral health and that information is provided in ways that take communication difficulties into account.
Plain Englis...