PROTOCOL PROPOSAL FOR EARLY DENTAL CARE IN INFANTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at high risk of developing oral diseases.
Objective: To propose an early dental care protocol for infants with CP. Materials and Methods: A computerized systematic search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus and
Embase electronic databases for relevant articles. An early dental care protocol was then proposed for infants with cerebral palsy focused on comprehensive care with a
multidisciplinary approach and effective health promotion by caregivers. Results: Fifteen
published papers were included in the present literature review and protocol proposal. The protocol comprised the following topics: First dental visit, aspects related to the appointment, oral hygiene recommendations, dietary recommendations and
recommendations for the prevention and control of harmful oral habits. The first dental visit should occur prior to the eruption of the teeth. As a special group, it is important to determine the affective bond between the patient and caregiver who will receive the oral
health care recommendations. During the clinical examination, the correct positioning and stabilization of the infant is important for the control of involuntary movements and the minimization of swallowing difficulties. Counseling with regards to adequate oral hygiene, a healthy diet and the prevention of harmful oral habits is important to the prevention of dental diseases. Children with oral-motor motility problems and feeding
difficulties should be referred to therapeutic follow-up. Due to the neuropsychomotor disorders often found in cerebral palsy, affected children are more vulnerable to oral
diseases. Thus, oral health care must be performed as early as possible by the parents/caregivers of these children. Conclusion: Individuals with cerebral palsy are at greater risk of developing oral problems. Thus, oral health programs starting in early childhood and targeting the specificities of these individuals is a strategy for minimizing the occurrence of such problems and the associated burden.