Special Needs and Oral Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability; that is 26 percent of the total population. Sadly, when it comes to oral health, many adults don’t have semi-annual dental check-ups, and there are often additional factors that prevent special needs patients from receiving dental care.
Regular visits to Wetherill Family Dentistry are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing illnesses associated with certain dental conditions. Without professional dental care, patients in Wilmington with special needs are at risk of oral disease and reduced quality of life.
Who Is Considered a Special Needs Patient?
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines “disability” as a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” This may include hearing, vision, communication, mobility, or other daily living activities.
Patients with special needs include individuals who have accessibility differences such as amputated limbs or wheelchair mobility, medical complications such as diabetes or stroke, developmental problems such as cerebral palsy, genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome, and cognitive impairments such as dementia or autism spectrum disorder.
Everyone deserves dental care, and people with special needs are much more vulnerable than others, as poor oral health can impact daily life. Wetherill Family Dentistry is equipped to effectively treat people with disabilities daily while providing gentle care. Contact our office today to plan your visit with our dental team in Wilmington.
