Autism Spectrum & Down Syndrome
Individuals affected by Autism Spectrum or Down Syndrome have a challenging path when it comes to tooth decay and oral health. Even if the family can afford visits to a dentist, which is often not the case, the visits are traumatic to the patient because of bright lights and whirring sounds. The children usually dread dental visits, and cavities go untreated.
Cavity repair for special needs children can require an operating room and general anesthesia. To our knowledge, all dentists who perform such surgeries have a backlog of cases. Alternatively, many special needs children have cavity-repair neglected and must live with terrible oral health problems. The consequences may include degradation of general health.
Dr. Branam treats Autism Spectrum children every day, both in his specialized office and in operating rooms in a major hospital. He is a bona fide expert in their dental care. Our Directors, Veronica Guerra, Scott Swan, Lauen Stout and Catina Harding are all deeply involved in the issues and problems of special needs children. We know the special needs support organization landscape. Provided that the necessary funding is obtained, the Foundation will seek to partner with every organization in the United States that promotes the good health of special needs children.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum are rising dramatically. The number of pediatric dentists qualified to treat Autism Spectrum patients has leveled off. By 2030, demand will radically exceed supply for treatment. This impending crisis in care availability is a direct consequence of the failed Treatment Model. Prevention is simply common sense!
What is The Prevention Model?
The best-known means of improving this epidemic clearly involve families making the transition from a “Treatment Model” for their oral health to a “Prevention Model” that will reduce the incidence of tooth decay. The Prevention Model includes daily brushing with Xylitol-based toothpaste. No fluoride is administered by this method, and the results are shown to be three times better than toothpaste containing fluoride.
The Prevention Model will reduce vast amounts of wasted time and money. For every hour in an operating room, a pediatric dentist could see 6 patients. Surgical costs are roughly 10 times greater than in-office visits.
Dr. Branam treats Autism Spectrum children every day, both in his specialized office and in operating rooms in a major hospital. He is a bona fide expert in their dental care. Our Directors, Veronica Guerra, Scott Swan, Lauen Stout and Catina Harding are all deeply involved in the issues and problems of special needs children. We know the special needs support organization landscape. Provided that the necessary funding is obtained, the Foundation will seek to partner with every organization in the United States that promotes the good health of special needs children.