Oral health is central to a person’s quality of life, health and wellbeing (AIHW 2024a).
If not properly maintained, it can lead to various adverse health outcomes, ranging from tooth decay to stroke and cardiovascular disease (AIHW 2024a).
Sadly, people living with disability are at an increased risk of poor oral health - despite it being largely preventable (AIHW 2024a; WHO 2025).
What is Oral Health?
Oral health can be defined as ‘the ability to eat, speak and socialise without discomfort or active disease in the teeth, mouth or gums’ (AIHW 2024b).
Oral health comprises:
Lips
Tongue
Gums and tissues
Saliva
Natural teeth
Dentures
Oral cleanliness
Dental pain.
(SA Dental 2023)
Consequences of Poor Oral Health
Poor oral health can lead to numerous detrimental health effects in people living with disability, including:
Heavy tooth wear due to tooth grinding
Tooth enamel defects
Delayed eruption of teeth, or retention of baby teeth
Why are people living with disability at increased risk of poor oral health, despite most oral diseases being preventable?
They may rely on assistance from others to maintain oral hygiene
They are more likely to be receiving enteral feeding than the general population
There may be challenges related to communication or behaviour, e.g. anxiety or reluctance to cooperate with oral care procedures
They may experience drooling, gagging or swallowing problems that make oral hygiene more difficult to perform
They might perform oral habits such as teeth grinding, food pouching, mouth breathing and tongue thrusting
They may be on a soft diet, which increases the risk of food remaining in the mouth after eating and causing disease or infection
Certain medicines for chronic illnesses (e.g. analgesics, muscle relaxants, asthma medicine, antidepressants) can cause xerostomia (dry mouth), which increases the risk of tooth decay
They may have a malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), which can make speaking or chewing more difficult, as well as increase the risk of oral disease or trauma
Gastroesophageal reflux, which can occur in central nervous system disorders like cerebral palsy, can cause tooth sensitivity or erosion
They may experience seizures, during which they might chip teeth or bite their tongue or cheeks
There may be a lack of availability of dental health professionals with the appropriate skills to perform oral care
They may have difficulty physically accessing dental clinics (e.g. due to mobility impairment)
They may be unable to afford the cost of dental treatment if they also need to pay for specialised care related to their disability.
(Wilson et al. 2019; NIDCR 2023; Angwin et al. 2015; ACSQHC & NDIS Commission 2023; AIHW 2024a)/small>
Addressing Oral Health in People Living With Disability
Taking care of the entire mouth is essential in maintaining oral health. This should comprise:
Regular dental checkups
Brushing teeth
Flossing
Removing leftover food from the mouth after eating
Maintaining good nutrition and adequate hydration
Reducing sugar intake
Reducing alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking.
(ACSQHC & NDIS Commission 2023)
You can support people with disability to maintain good oral hygiene by:
Asking if they have any worries or pain in relation to their oral health
Ensuring that oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are included in support planning
Being aware of behavioural changes that could indicate oral pain or discomfort
Supporting them to attend regular dental checkups at least annually
Providing information about oral hygiene in their preferred form
Documenting all oral health changes, dental health assessments and recommendations made
Assisting in daily oral care
Ensuring they have all required equipment for oral hygiene (toothbrush, dental floss, fluoride toothpaste etc.)
Referring to other healthcare professionals if necessary - these might include:
Speech pathologists if the person is gagging when brushing their teeth, having difficulty clearing food from their mouth after eating, having difficulting swallowing or eating certain foods, drooling, or has a weak or absent cough
Occupational therapists to assist with handling a toothbrush, flossing and using dental cleaning aids
NDIS behaviour support practitioners to assist with strategies to manage anxiety, etc. during dental checkups.