A Self-Advocate’s Guide To Dental Health

Transcript:

A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Dental Health

Created by the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council

This guide helps you understand how to take care of your mouth, teeth, and gums.

Good dental health keeps your whole body healthier and helps you feel and look good.

What is dental health?

Dental health is how healthy your mouth is — including your teeth and gums.

Plaque is a sticky layer of germs that builds up on teeth and causes tooth decay.

Poor dental health can lead to infections that affect your entire body.

People with disabilities often do not get good dental care — but everyone deserves it.

Why is dental health important?

A healthy mouth = a healthy body.

How do you take care of your mouth?

• Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes

• Use a water pick or electric toothbrush

• Floss daily between teeth

• Use mouthwash (choose alcohol-free if you have dry mouth)

• Drink water often, especially after eating

• Visit the dentist every 6 months

• Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, and sugary drinks

If your mouth feels sore or different, call a dentist.

Watch for warning signs:

• Toothaches or pain when chewing

• Bad breath

• Bleeding gums

• Sensitivity to hot/cold

• Jaw pain or grinding

• Dentures that don’t fit

• Loose teeth

If brushing is hard, try a toothbrush with a longer or bigger handle.

Going to the dentist

There are 2 reasons to go:

• Prevention: To keep your teeth clean and healthy

• Repair: To fix anything that hurts or is broken

Who you might meet at the dental office:

• Dental Hygienist – Cleans teeth, may take pictures (x-rays)

• Dentist – Checks teeth and fixes problems

• Oral Surgeon – Specializes in more complex dental issues

Tools they may use:

• Drill

• Mirror

• Pick

• Suction tool

• Water rinse

• Dental floss

Tips for a successful visit:

• Arrive 15 minutes early

• Bring a support person

• Bring a list of medications

• Know your medical and dental history

• Ask why and how a procedure will be done

• Request a cost estimate before treatment

• Write down any questions you have

What if you feel scared to go?

• It’s okay — many people do!

• Dentists want to help, not hurt

• You have a right to ask questions and understand your care

Comfort strategies:

• Breathe deeply

• Wear headphones or sunglasses

• Listen to music

• Ask to watch a movie

• Ask for medicine to help with pain or anxiety

• Ask for a tour of the office ahead of time

• Bring a support person into the room

Types of medicine that can help you relax:

• Pills for anxiety

• Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)

• Sedation (to help you sleep)

How to find a dentist

It can be hard — but there are ways:

• Ask friends or family for recommendations

• Contact your State Department of Health

• Get a list from Medicaid or your insurance

How to pay for dental care

Dental work can be expensive. You can pay by:

• Private insurance

• Out-of-pocket

• Medicaid

• Grants or state programs

• Online fundraising (like GoFundMe)

Vermont resources include:

• One-time agency funding

• Dental schools & community health centers

• CapStone for Teeth

• DDSD Dental Fund

My Dentist (for your next visit)

Name:
Phone Number:
Address:

I want to ask about:
(Write your questions or concerns here)

What is The Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project?

The Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project (IHPP) believes everyone should have tools to manage their own health.

IHPP Goals:

1. Create easy-to-understand health materials for people with developmental disabilities

2. Help healthcare providers communicate better with neurodiverse patients

Last revised: January 2025

Learn more at: http://www.ihppvt.org

Supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).