[Dental care for the handicapped: general problems]

In contrast to an increased oral health level in the Western countries, this improvement is not the case in age matched handicapped. The dental mutilation is generally related to periodontal problems (plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, calculus), dental caries, traumatic injuries and self-injuring behaviour. Via a questionnaire, data from 88 institutions in Flanders were obtained. It became clear that there is a striking lack of oral health care and follow-up within institutions. There is a strong need for mouth hygiene instructions programmes for educators, parents, as well as for dentists involved in the special care of these patients.