Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
October 2000
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
1
Issue:
1

Oral hygiene and periodontal conditions in special needs children and young adults in Kuwait

Aim: The present study was carried out to assess the levels of oral hygiene, periodontal conditions and treatment requirements in a special needs population who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, have physical disabilities or developmental disorders, attending special schools in Kuwait. Design: An epidemiological survey was carried out according to the methods of WHO, 1997. Subjects: The sample comprised 832 subjects from 10 schools whose age ranged from 3 to 29 years, the mean being 12.1 years. Results: There were significantly poorer levels of oral hygiene and a greater prevalence of periodontal disease in the disabled young people attending special schools compared to normal children. Significant differences were found in oral cleanliness between subjects. The type of impairment had a significant association with the periodontal problems observed; those children with Down syndrome had the poorest levels of oral hygiene and the greatest periodontal treatment need. An evaluation of oral cleanliness showed poor hygiene in 38% of the children, and in 52% of Down syndrome children. For all children, 87% were brushing at least daily. Of those who brushed, 72% did not have any help with brushing. The highest proportion of pockets were found in Down syndrome children (61%), and their need for complex periodontal treatment was also highest, 21% with deep pockets. The highest risk f a c t o r for periodontal disease seemed to be poor oral hygiene (OR=8.5, 95% CI= 3.5-20.9). Conclusions: This study indicated the distinct need for strengthening organised preventive and curative programmes for special needs young people in Kuwait. Key words: Oral hygiene, periodontal disease, treatment needs, disabled people, Kuwait

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£15.00
Page Start
13
Page End
19
Authors
Eino Honkala, Thattaruparambil Sugathan, Sisko Honkala, Sabiha A. Al-Mutawa, Maddi Shyama

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial - Teeth and People with Learning Disabilities
  2. 2
  3. 2

  1. Sialorrhea: a multidisciplinary approach to the management of drooling in children
  2. 3
  3. 9

  1. Treatment of a drooling habit in Congenital Muscular Dystrophy with a palatal training plate. A case report
  2. 10
  3. 12

  1. Oral hygiene and periodontal conditions in special needs children and young adults in Kuwait
  2. 13
  3. 19

  1. The expressed dental needs of patients attending a Haemophilia Reference Centre
  2. 20
  3. 25

  1. Development of an attitudinal scale for dental personnel in the provision of care for people with learning disabilities
  2. 26
  3. 30

  1. Wheelchair for single transfer of disabled patients
  2. 31
  3. 31

  1. Specialisation in Special Care Dentistry – where from, where now, where to?
  2. 34
  3. 38

  1. National Strategies for People with a Learning Disability
  2. 39
  3. 39

  1. An Appreciation
  2. 40
  3. 40

  1. JDOH Oct 2000 BSDH news pp41-48.pdf
  2. 41
  3. 48

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