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Cerebral palsy and dental care present unique challenges for families. This National Children’s Dental Health Month, learn strategies that can support your child’s oral health. Good dental practices, both at home and with your child’s dental team, can improve their quality of life. Together, you can create a care plan that meets your child’s specific needs.
Cerebral Palsy and Dental Care
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at a higher risk for dental health problems. In fact, dental screenings are often recommended as part of regular health evaluations.
Cerebral palsy dental issues can happen for many reasons. CP can make it hard to control movements, which affects simple tasks like brushing teeth.
There’s also a higher risk of dental injuries because some children have flared upper teeth, which can become damaged during falls caused by balance problems.
Other common causes of dental problems in children with CP include:
- Chewing and swallowing difficulties
- Chronic vomiting causing dental erosions
- Cognitive challenges that make oral care harder
- Depending on a caregiver for self-care
- Excessive drooling
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Trouble controlling facial muscles (pseudobulbar palsy)
Cerebral palsy oral manifestations can lead to issues with independence, impacting a child’s quality of life. As a result, it’s important to develop good cerebral palsy dental management routines.
How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Teeth?
Cerebral palsy is not the direct cause of oral health issues. However, some dental problems are more common in cerebral palsy patients.
Learn about the different types of cerebral palsy oral health issues below.
Dental Caries
Dental caries (tooth decay or cavities) are caused by bacteria from certain foods that produce acids and damage teeth. Children with cerebral palsy are more likely to develop dental caries.
This is especially true when cerebral palsy symptoms are more severe, causing greater challenges with brushing the teeth.
Difficulty Swallowing
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is common in cerebral palsy patients. This can cause food to stay in the mouth longer than it should, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Additionally, cerebral palsy patients on a semi-soft diet may run into problems with food sticking to their teeth and not getting swallowed.
Drooling
Sialorrhea, or drooling, occurs in almost 30% of children with cerebral palsy. It can result from tooth decay, irritating lesions, or throat infection. Drooling can greatly interfere with proper oral care.
Hyperactive Bite
An abnormally active bite reflex and hyperactive gag reflex can make brushing teeth difficult. These conditions can interfere with proper dental care, leading to oral health issues.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t align properly when the mouth is closed. Unfortunately, fixing malocclusion is not always possible for patients with moderate to severe cerebral palsy, making dental health care essential.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is usually caused by infection or inflammation of the gums. It can also affect the bones that support the teeth.
In the early stages, periodontal disease is called gingivitis, which occurs when the gums are red, swollen, and may bleed.
When periodontal disease worsens, it becomes periodontitis. In this stage, gums can pull away from the teeth, and bone loss can occur, eventually causing teeth to loosen or fall out.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. It acts as a hinge, and when it doesn’t function properly, it can cause jaw pain, clicking, and difficulty chewing.
Children with cerebral palsy have a substantially higher risk of developing TMJ because of the likelihood of having malocclusion and mouth breathing.
Daily Dental Care for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Staying proactive with your child’s dental health can help prevent serious issues later on. That’s why it’s important to start good cerebral palsy dental hygiene early.
Proper dental care plays a key role in supporting your child’s overall health as part of their regular cerebral palsy treatment.
Here are 7 tips for cerebral palsy and dental treatment:
- Clean your child’s top and bottom front teeth with a soft cloth or toothbrush.
- Position your child on a chair or bed with their head angled back for better access.
- Monitor your child’s diet to reduce long-term bottle use and limit sugar intake.
- Gently stabilize your child’s head while brushing to improve control and comfort.
- Introduce an electric toothbrush if your child can manage it safely.
- Apply topical fluoride to protect tooth enamel if recommended by your child’s dentist.
- Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor oral health and address issues early.
You should begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first baby tooth appears. It is also very important to schedule routine dental exams.
Cerebral Palsy Dental Treatment
Managing cerebral palsy dental treatment often requires a personalized approach. Challenges of living with CP, like difficulty controlling mouth muscles, cerebral palsy teeth grinding, and swallowing issues, can make dental care more complex.
Working with an experienced dentist is key. A care plan may include fluoride treatments, cerebral palsy teeth development strategies, and ways to prevent dental injuries.
Get tips on cerebral palsy and teeth care below.
Preparing for a Dental Appointment
Taking your child with CP to the dentist can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel nervous, and children with any type of cerebral palsy may experience even more anxiety due to unfamiliar environments and communication challenges.
To make dental visits easier, create strategies that work for you and your child. Talk with the dentist ahead of time to share any specific needs or concerns.
Ask about special accommodations, like dental chair adjustments, to help your child feel more comfortable.
Scheduling appointments early in the day can reduce wait times. Also, be sure to inform the dentist about any medications your child takes to help ensure their safety.
Managing Sensory Challenges at the Dentist
Many children with cerebral palsy experience co-occurring conditions, like sensory issues, that can make dental visits stressful. Bright lights, loud sounds, and unfamiliar sensations can feel overwhelming.
“Going to the dentist can be overwhelming because of all the noises and bright lights. I wear headphones during appointments to help block out the sounds and stay calm.”
— Amie Kroessig, Patient Advocate living with cerebral palsy
To help your child feel more comfortable, consider bringing soothing items, like noise-canceling headphones, a favorite toy, or a weighted blanket.
Let the dental team know about your child’s specific sensory needs so they can adjust the environment — like dimming lights or using quieter tools when possible.
Preparing your child with a step-by-step explanation of what to expect can also reduce anxiety and create a more positive experience.
Supporting Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy Dental Health
Cerebral palsy dental care can be challenging, but it’s an important part of your child’s overall health. Working with a dentist who understands your child’s needs can make a big difference.
National Children’s Dental Health Month 2025 is a reminder of the importance of oral health, especially for children with CP.
The Birth Injury Justice Center is committed to supporting families of children with cerebral palsy and other birth injuries.
If you have questions about your child’s condition, we have a team of registered nurses on staff who are here to help.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to connect with one of our caring nurses.
