Many physically and mentally disabled people live in residential centers, cared for on a daily basis by people other than family. Even when residential staff is caring and compassionate, often training is not in place for daily dental care of patients.
     High levels of oral disease are present in these disabled populations due to lack of care. Many residents at these institutions cannot maintain any level of oral hygiene due to physical inability or mental incapacity. Having poor dental health can impact eating ability, diet, weight, speech, appearance and social interactions. Those living in residential care centers are completely reliant on their care givers to provide regular dental hygiene. It becomes necessary for family members to educate and discuss expectations with caregivers so that the disabled person's needs are met.
     For dependent and cognitively impaired adults, the provision of necessary daily hygiene can be challenging and daunting for care givers. It gets further complicated when patients have reduced dexterity, impaired sensory functions, cognitive problems and behavioral issues.

      Medications that are commonly used in these populations, like anti-depressants, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications and anti-psychotics often cause decreased salivary flow which in turn creates more dental problems. When salivary flow decreases, the amount of decay increases dramatically. Lowered salivary flow also creates an oral environment where dentures and partials can become uncomfortable, causing sores to develop.
     People with diabetes have a greater incidence of gum disease, which can in turn be associated with a greater risk of heart disease. In order to successfully manage overall health care in this population, attention to dental care becomes imperative. The following recommendations can be addressed by family members and caregivers.
- Assistance in daily oral hygiene, meaning daily plaque removal via brushing and denture cleaning. Ideally, brushing should be done twice daily. Dentures should be removed while sleeping. Flossing or use of floss aids can be implemented when physical skill allows.
- Regular dental examinations whether at the facility or at an outside dentist.
- Use of antimicrobial mouth rinses/sprays to decrease food debris, plaque and bacteria.
- Reducing intake of sugary foods.
     Poor oral health and dental pain can impact the disabled person's general well-being and quality of life. Regular oral health practices fall upon caregivers when disabled people cannot take care of themselves.
Family members can ask care givers what dental services are provided for residents and what kind of training they have had to provide those services. A consultation with a dentist can provide family members with the tools they need to make recommendations for their loved one's care.