Oral health status and trace elements in saliva of children and teenagers with intellectual disabilities: a preliminary study

Abstract

Oral health is an important component of general health and promoting oral health can reduce the overall burden of illness. Patients with intellectual disability are often a forgotten group when it comes to oral healthcare although they may require complex multidisciplinary care [1-3]. The evidence shows that persons with intellectual disability suffer worse oral health, periodontal status, and present a higher risk of caries [1-3]. In addition to compromised oral health status, these patients may also have greater difficulty in accessing oral healthcare services [1-6]. Routine oral healthcare and dental treatment is often erratic, leading to poor oral health and the rapid progression of any oral diseases present [2,7].