Primero, Jobelle L.

DMD-4G

Dental Health of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a problem that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. It is a chronic
motor disorder resulting from a non-progressive insult to the developing brain. The motor
disorders associated with cerebral palsy are often accompanied by disturbances in
coordination, cognition, communication, and seizure disorders. Children with Cerebral Palsy are
at increased risk of developing dental problems. Children with mental retardation are
dependent on their caregiver for maintaining oral and dental hygiene making them at higher
risk for dental disease. The leading cause of poor nutrition appears to be pseudo-bulbar palsy,
affecting the coordination of sucking, chewing, and swallowing. Some practical challenges are
commonly encountered when handling children with CP. These include apprehension, fear from
strangers, and communication difficulties. Effective communication with such children during
dental assessment should take in consideration their developmental age and any associated
auditory, visual or speech disorders. Cognitive and attention deficits can also contribute to
cooperation difficulties. Parents may be hesitant in getting dental care and treatment for a child
with cerebral palsy for fear that the visit will be difficult or go poorly. However, there are
numerous oral health professionals who specialize in working with children with special needs
and make great options for these children. Safety training is required for all oral health
professionals who work with special needs kids, including required training in CPR, training in
supporting children with involuntary tremors and bodily movements and training on how to
successfully clear breathing passages. Oral professionals for special needs children are also
trained on how to accommodate patients in wheelchairs while providing a calm, child-friendly
environment. Other qualifications that oral care professionals who work with children with
cerebral palsy should have the ability to establish a trusting relationship with the child, ability to
give commands in a friendly yet understandable manner, Ability to effectively communicate
non-verbally (if needed).

Upon reading the journal, I have learned that the more severe the neurological insult in
children with cerebral palsy, the higher is the risk of dental diseases. Caregivers for Cerebral
Palsy patients should be considered an important component of the oral health team and must
become knowledgeable and competent in home oral health practices. Such practices can
significantly affect the child’s quality of life and control dental costs.