Dental Injuries and ADHD
The causes of dental trauma—injuries to the teeth
and mouth area—traditionally have been classified by a child’s oral
developmental stage. Injuries to a child’s baby teeth tend to occur from falls
and accidents related to the fact that the child is still learning to walk and
run, and hasn’t yet fully developed his senses of balance and space. During the
time period when baby teeth are being replaced with permanent teeth
(transitional dentition), accidents are more likely to result from outdoor
activities such as running and bicycling. But falls are still a major factor
during this period, with some studies suggesting that falls account for up to
40% of all dental injuries in the transitional dentition.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) is
a neurodevelopmental disorder that may become apparent before age 7. Children
with ADHD often demonstrate poor impulse control, hyperactivity and
inattentiveness. Since accidents and falls are the most frequent cause of
dental trauma in children, it seems logical that children suffering from ADHD
could be more prone to dental trauma than are their peers.
A recent study conducted at Nationwide Children’s
Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, compared a group of children each of whom a history
of recent dental trauma with a group of children without dental trauma. The
children’s parents completed the ADHD Rating Scale IV, a form that evaluates
children for ADHD and its two component parts: (1) inattention and (2)
hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Interestingly, based on the rating scale, both
groups of children averaged similar scores for ADHD and for inattention.
However, the group of children with dental trauma scored significantly higher
for hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Children with ADHD are more at risk than other children
for cavities and are more likely to grind their teeth. And these children’s
behavioral issues can make visits to KiDDS Dental more difficult for the child
and the parent. Parents of children with ADHD should make sure their children
use seat belts, bike helmets and mouth guards to help minimize the chances of
dental trauma. And they should foster an early and trusting relationship
between their child and his dentist.
Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared today! Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.
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