Oral Health in Autistic Children
Dr. Dina Debaybo, DDS, MDS (Pediatric Dentistry)
Boston University, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE
Dr. Debaybo is the Head of Paediatric Dentistry at the Boston University Institute for Dental Research & Education in Dubai Healthcare City. Prior to this she was the Consultant and Head of Pediatric Dentistry at the Department of Health and Medical Services at Dubai Government.
Dina has been in charge of the Preventive Oral Health Program, Dubai Medical zone 1995-2006. She has also held different positions in Emirates Medical Association, conducted the National Oral Health survey for Dubai Educational zone in 2003; established results and authored research paper for publication. Dina is currently working on research project Molar Incisor Hypo-minerlization with the University of Bristol.
Abstract
Oral health challenges are clearly reflected in the high index of caries in children in the UAE. Children and adults with special needs are also included in the group surveyed.
For children with special needs like all children, proper oral hygiene practices have to be implemented otherwise caries, pain and eventual loss of tooth might occur. It is a family project where all family members gather to brush their teeth to encourage, assure proper oral hygiene habits on a daily basis. Implementing healthy diet is another challenge faced by the children and adults with special needs for general and oral health.