DENTAL CARIES IN DIFFERENTIALLY ABLED CHILDREN

Abstract

The term differently abled denotes youngsters who are incapable or limited in completing daily tasks.
Both guardians and dental specialists routinely overlook their oral needs. Due to their inability to
properly maintain their fundamental oral health, these kids need special attention. In spite of the
acknowledgment of the role of dentists in taking oral care for these children, many dentists are hesitant
to identify these kids as their patients. This may be due to a number of reasons like dentists’ lacking
knowledge about various disabilities or unawareness about the procedure with regard to
comprehensive dental care.1 WHO first began providing medical treatments to children with
disabilities in 1981. Since then, many master dental practitioners have been willing and qualified to
provide dental health services.2
Numerous studies have demonstrated that children with disabilities have a higher frequency of dental
caries than children in the general population. This is due to poor parental and guardian support and
the inability of such children to convey their oral health needs.
Dental care for persons with disabilities not only addresses dental issues but also child management.2
An essential component of managing children with disabilities is developing effective communication
and rapport with them. It is necessary to evaluate the psychological stress on patients and parents that
may prevent the creation of a healthy relationship between the patient and the dentist by taking a
complete history of the current complaint, past medical history, and personal, social, and family
history.