2018 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 33-37
Because intellectual disability appears during the development of intellectual function and disturbs daily life, it is a situation requiring special support. Persons with intellectual disability not only have delayed intellectual growth, but also their daily life capacities are limited, resulting in troubles in the lives of individuals and groups. For adults, problems with self-management ability may arise, as well as with communication skills in society.
In the present case, two elderly persons with intellectual disability staying in a mental hospital fought over a sweet bun. The aggressor punched his right fist into the oral cavity of the other patient, resulting in laceration at the bilateral corners of the mouth. A few hours later, the victim was referred by the hospital to our department. At the first visit, the patient was in a state of control and there were no abnormal findings other than the laceration at the corners of the mouth. The course after suturing the laceration was good and at day 15 after the injury, treatment in our department ended.
Problem behaviors in persons with intellectual disability include difficulties in interpersonal relationships, self-injury, harm to others, sudden behavior, etc. It is speculated that these actions occur on a daily basis and that oral traumas may arise. However, because there is less chance of visiting medical institutions, there are few similar reports. By collecting reports similar to the present case, it may be possible to gain an overview of oral traumas associated with problem behaviors in persons with intellectual disability. In addition, to prevent such trauma, it is important to understand the current status of problem behaviors and oral traumas in persons with intellectual disability and to provide information, advice, and support from the dental care side.
