The Level of Independence of Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Maintaining Dental and Oral Hygiene at Home: A Literature Review

Abstract

Children with disabilities still lack equal access to various aspects of child welfare, including healthcare services, education, and adequate caregiving. Dental and oral health issues are among the areas often neglected, primarily due to limited motor skills and insufficient parental supervision in dental care. The aim of this literature review is to analyze the relationship between family support and the independence of children with intellectual disabilities in maintaining oral hygiene at home. This study employs a literature review method to identify factors influencing dental and oral health in children with intellectual disabilities. The literature for this study was obtained from reputable databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, with sources published within the last five years (2020–2025). The article selection process was conducted systematically using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) approach to ensure transparency and accuracy. A total of ten research articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. All ten studies demonstrated a strong positive correlation between parental involvement and the oral hygiene status of children with special needs. Parent training programs were found to have a statistically significant impact on improving dental hygiene among children with autism. These findings highlight the need for continuous education and support for caregivers and parents in maintaining oral health in individuals with intellectual disabilities.