Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is not a single disease, but a group of disorders that occur when a baby’s brain is damaged. There are more than 100,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. who have cerebral palsy. Control of the oral musculature, involuntary muscular activity, and an inability to perform oral hygiene procedures contribute to the increased incidence of gingival disease, dental caries and periodontal disease is common. In cerebral palsy patients with a seizure disorder, the potential for gingival problems is further complicated. The anti-seizure medications have a strong association with gingival overgrowth. The gingival overgrowth in turn, complicates oral hygiene procedures, making control of dental plaque more difficult. Frequently, the cerebral palsy patient will also have a hyper-active gag reflex, and a high percentage of young children with cerebral palsy suffer enamel hyperplasia (incomplete calcification) of the primary teeth, reflecting an early disturbance in the development of enamel and dentin. Bruxism is common in people with cerebral palsy, especially those with severe forms of the disorder. Bruxism can be intense and persistent and cause the teeth to wear prematurely. Seizures may accompany cerebral palsy, but can usually be controlled with anticonvulsant medications. The mouth is always at risk during a seizure: Patients may chip teeth. With all these dental risk, cerebral palsy patient will need more frequent dental visit then the average person. A personal oral hygiene home care regimen, tailored by the Dr. Pham, specifically for the cerebral palsy patient, is an essential component of a comprehensive oral health care program. Good oral hygiene, accompanied by early and regular dental examinations and treatment will enhance good dental health in the cerebral palsy patient. We have treated many Cerebral palsy patients in office thru regular visits and our sedation sessions.  We anticipate the non voluntarily movement and the common dental condition that we mention above. Our expertise’s, in treating patients in this population, have distinguished us from the rest. We will do everything to make our office wheel accessible to cerebral palsy patients.