In treating mentally retarded children, generally finds that they:

Children with intellectual disability may have a higher incidence of poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, malocclusion, and untreated caries. As the severity of intellectual disability increases, typical oral signs of clenching, bruxing, drooling, pica,  trauma,  missing  teeth,  and  self-injurious  behaviors increase. Providing dental treatment for a person with intellectual disability requires adjusting to social, intellectual, and emotional delays. A short attention span, restlessness, hyperactivity, and erratic emotional behavior may characterize patients with intellectual disability undergoing dental care. The dentist should assess the degree of intellectual disability by consulting the patient’s physician for frequent medical assessment and coordinate care when appropriate.