Cerebral Palsy - Oral Health Care Considerations
- Document available support networks.
- Address increased prevalence of periodontal diseases, possibly due to poor oral hygiene, increased mouth breathing, and medications.
- Address increased prevalence of caries, possibly due to poor oral hygiene, increased mouth breathing, medications, enamel hypoplasia, and food pouching.
- Be aware of increased incidents of trauma the face and mouth, which may be due to self mutilation. Consider protective oral appliances.
- Address possible:
- bruxism – clenching and grinding of teeth
- rumination – regurgitation, re-chewing and re-swallowing
- pouching – placement of food and medication between the cheek and the teeth for extended periods
- pica – compulsive eating of non-edible substances.
- With increased vomiting and presence of rumination, palatal enamel erosion may be present.
- Recognize gingival overgrowth that may be present in patients taking anticonvulsants.
- Determine each patient’s communication skills and apply a tell-show-do approach and positive reinforcement with patients with impaired intellectual capacities.
- Increased verbal communication with visually impaired patients.
- Increase nonverbal communication techniques in patients with hearing impairments.
- Be aware of increased involuntary movements of facial muscles, lips and tongue.
- Be aware of increased incidence of a severe gag reflex.
- In case of swallowing difficulties, coughing, gagging, choking and risk for aspiration, place the patient in a slightly more upright position and turn the patient’s head to one side. Use high evacuation suctioning.
- Considering using a mouth prop.
- Recognize possible abuse and neglect.
- Use sedation or general anesthesia when appropriate.
- Address patient’s ability to perform proper oral health care independently.
- Instruct care providers in proper oral hygiene practices.
- When appropriate, recommend a power toothbrush, or adopt existing toothbrush to enhance the grip and usability, and use of daily antimicrobial mouthrinses, or local application of antimicrobial agents.
Medical Complexity Status - Cerebral Palsy#
| Cerebral Palsy | MCS1A |
|---|---|
| Anticipated complication | Controlled/ stable |
| Â Hemostasis | None |
|  Microbial  susceptibility | None |
|  Drugs/ drug  interactions | None |
| Â Stress/trauma | None |
See Medical Complexity Status for more information.
Related Pages#
- Medical Disorders
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