Sensory information processing in oral care for people with mental impairment
It can be helpful for dentists and dental hygienists to learn to look through ‘sensory information processing glasses,’ both within regular dental practice and within special dentistry. This way of looking helps professionals when they reach a deadlock with a patient. For example, this can happen during a check-up, a treatment, or with persistent inadequate oral hygiene, despite repeated advice and instructions. Many patients may have difficulty processing sensory stimuli such as sounds, light, smells, taste, touch, movements and internal body sensations, which affects their behaviour. By investigating what stimuli cause overstimulation or understimulation, the needs of the patient can be better met and a more positive experience and better treatment results can be ensured.