Mentally Challenged – The Most Neglected

Objectives: To accentuate the significance of oral care in mentally challenged individuals.
Methods: An electronic search was conducted via different scientific search engines easily accessible on internet. Articles about dental care in mentally challenged individuals were searched and papers for review were chosen from the resultant list and from references within selected articles. Studies selected were reviewed and results are presented in this study.
Results: Community service is a hallmark in carrying out efforts to assuage the real dental health challenges. Brushing with a fluoridated dentifrice twice daily should be emphasized to help prevent caries and gingi­vitis. The dental home should implement individualized preventive oral health practices.Such individuals may show evidence of resistant behaviors. These behaviors can interfere with the safe delivery of dental treatment. The team of dental professionals should develop an individualized oral hygiene program that takes into account the unique disabil­ity of the patient.
Conclusions:
It is concluded that providing dental treatment to these mentally disabled individuals is a challenge provided they should be dealt with care according to their behavioral pattern by adaptation of the skills we use every day because poor oral health has an impact on learning, communication, self-esteem, and nutrition which affects activities in school, work and home.Therefore, the deterrence of dental disease in these individuals is of vital importance and should receive absolute priority.