Table 1.

Factors possibly predisposing to dental disease in children with cerebral palsy.

Predisposing factors	Mechanism
Motor weakness or incoordination	Inability to maintain oral hygiene Depending on a caregiver for self care risk of dental trauma
Mental retardation	Inability to maintain oral hygiene Depending on a caregiver for self care
Pseudo-bulbar palsy	Chewing and swallowing difficulties Risk of dental caries and erosions Excessive drooling (sialorrhea)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease	Recurrent regurgitation and vomiting causing dental erosions
Malnutrition	Poor calcium intake Vitamin D deficiency