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Oral rehabilitation to maintain independence
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Children with limb differences can use their teeth as hands for daily activities. Proper dental care is crucial to prevent tooth wear and maintain independence and self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Children born with missing or deformed upper extremities require adaptive strategies for daily living.
- Developing substitutes for non-functioning arms and hands is essential for independence.
Observation:
- Teeth, particularly incisors and canines, can functionally substitute for hands in activities like grasping, pinching, and operating adaptive devices.
- Prolonged use of teeth as hands can lead to significant dental wear without proper management.
Findings:
- The case highlights the potential for dental compensation in activities of daily living (ADL).
- Neglecting dental care can result in excessive tooth wear, jeopardizing function and self-esteem.
Implications:
- Dentistry plays a vital role in the long-term rehabilitation and independence of individuals with upper extremity differences.
- Restorative and preventative dental care is essential to maintain oral health, function, and psychosocial well-being.