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57% of people with disabilities consider taking care of their mouths a daily challenge
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is commemorated on December 3, the Illustrious Official College of Dentists and Stomatologists of Asturias (CODES) wishes to remind everyone that oral health is also a right, and that there are still challenges to overcome that prevent many people with disabilities from accessing dental care on equal terms.
In Spain, it is estimated that around 4.3 million people live with disabilities, representing about 9% of the population. Recent studies promoted by the Spanish Dental Foundation (FDE) and the Spanish Society of Odontostomatology for Patients with Special Needs (SEOENE) reveal that 57% of people with disabilities consider oral care a daily challenge and that almost a third are dissatisfied with their oral health. “Behind these figures lie very specific realities: difficulties with brushing, more complex treatments, or a lack of sufficient support in their environment,” says Dr. Jesús Frieyro, president of CODES.
Scientific evidence indicates that many groups of people with disabilities are at greater risk of cavities, periodontal disease, toothache, and untreated oral pathology due to factors such as dependence on others for hygiene, certain medications, and motor or cognitive difficulties. “It’s not just about having more cavities or more gum problems: it’s about chronic pain, problems eating, speaking, or socializing, and a direct decline in quality of life,” the professional organization emphasizes.
In recent years, the General Council of Dentists and the Spanish Dental Foundation have developed specific campaigns, such as ‘Oral Health and Disability. Breaking Barriers’, which focus on the need to adapt dental care, the training of professionals and raising awareness in society about this reality.
In this context, Dr. Jesús Frieyro emphasizes the key role of dentistry in healthcare inclusion: “The oral health of people with disabilities cannot depend solely on the goodwill of society; it must be guaranteed as a right,” he states. He indicates that “our commitment as a professional association is clear: to continue promoting accessible, safe dental care adapted to the needs of each person, with or without a disability.” The president of CODES insists that the solution requires a combined effort: well-prepared clinics, professionals trained in the care of patients with special needs, coordination with other healthcare and social services, and decisive support from government agencies to reduce the oral health gap. “We are talking about adjusting appointment times, adapting communication, providing mobility support, offering sedation or specific techniques when necessary, and, above all, listening to individuals and their families,” he adds.
Furthermore, CODES emphasizes that prevention is fundamental: regular checkups, health education for both patients and their caregivers, simple hygiene guidelines adapted to each individual's circumstances, and ongoing follow-up. Recent studies show that problems such as bruxism, tooth pain, and sensitivity occur almost twice as often in people with disabilities as in the general population, reinforcing the need for early intervention.
For all these reasons, dentists in Asturias are calling on health and social institutions to ensure that the oral health of people with disabilities occupies the place it deserves in public policies: by fully integrating dental care into health programs, facilitating access to treatments, and strengthening coordination between levels of care..
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, CODES reminds the public that visiting registered dentists guarantees quality, safety, and professional ethics, especially in cases requiring more specialized care. CODES reiterates its commitment to continue working with other institutions to ensure that no one is left behind in oral health, regardless of their abilities or personal circumstances.