February is Children’s Dental and Oral Health Awareness Month, a timely reminder that oral health is deeply connected to overall health, development, and quality of life. For families impacted by Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), dental care can feel like just one more item on an already full medical list. But the mouth is not separate from the body, it can be a source […]
Good oral health is about so much more than just a bright smile—it’s tied to nutrition, speech, overall health, and even quality of life. Yet, many families with medically complex children face an uphill battle when it comes to dental care: from finding a dentist who understands their unique challenges to managing sensory sensitivities, oral motor delays, and the impact […]
As a parent or caregiver of a medically complex child, you’re likely aware of the discomfort they may experience when visiting the dentist. From navigating inaccessible spaces to managing heightened sensitivities, every aspect of the dental visit can pose unique challenges. It may feel as if you’re constantly navigating these hurdles in order to provide them with the oral health […]
It’s no secret that many people have some aversion to the dentist; those connected to medically complex children are likely even more familiar with the challenge of maintaining oral health and accessing professional care. Dr. Matt Mara, DDS., a practicing general dentist, assistant professor of general dentistry at Boston University, oral health researcher, Hope for HIE medical advisory board member, […]
You may have noticed we are spotlighting the patient-family experience of impacts to dental and oral healthcare, and you’re right! Children with HIE are at greater risk for certain oral health impacts, and in the context of disability, there is a significant disparity experienced by medically complex children and families to access the same care as typically developing children. You […]
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