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 of pain, infection, and inflammation that impacts the whole child.
At Hope for HIE, we’ve had the privilege of learning from leaders in pediatric dentistry and research who are working to better understand the oral health challenges facing medically complex children.
We're thrilled to share a wonderful new resource from a team at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine lead by Hope for HIE's Medical Advisory Board Member and HIE parent, Matt Mara, DMD, EdD.
Below is a quick review of some key findings in recent years:
1. HIE is a risk factor for cavities (dental caries).
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. Children with HIE may be at higher risk due to oral motor challenges, difficulty with brushing, enamel defects, and competing medical priorities.
2. Enamel hypoplasia is common in children with HIE.
Enamel begins forming just weeks after conception. Disruptions during pregnancy or birth-related events can affect enamel development, leading to weak or thin enamel (called enamel hypoplasia).
➡️ Weak enamel makes it easier for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause cavities.
3. Anti-seizure medications can impact teeth and gums.
While essential for seizure control, some medications may cause:
Proactive dental monitoring is key.
4. Tooth eruption may be delayed.
Children typically have all baby teeth by age 3. Children with HIE may experience delayed eruption or missing teeth, which can affect spacing and long-term dental development.
5. Gum inflammation (gingivitis) is common.
Limited dexterity, muscle tone differences, drooling, and oral motor challenges can make effective brushing difficult, leading to plaque buildup and inflamed gums.
6. Access to care remains a major barrier.
In a recent Hope for HIE-supported survey of caregivers:
Access to a dentist does not always mean access to equitable care.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by age 1.
For children with HIE or medical complexity, many experts suggest considering a visit as early as 6 months to:
Early visits are less about treatment and more about preparation, partnership, and prevention.
Small, consistent steps make a big difference:
A “successful” dental visit may simply mean your child tolerated sitting in the chair. Progress looks different for every family.
Dental health should not be an afterthought in medically complex care. Research teams continue to explore:
When families share their stories, it drives meaningful change.
At Hope for HIE, we’ve worked closely with dental professionals to curate resources specifically tailored to the needs of children with HIE. By collaborating with experts in the field, we're making sure that families have access to the right tools and advice to navigate the unique dental challenges their children face. It's all about providing support that’s relevant, informed, and, most importantly, helpful.
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