Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2009
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
10
Issue:
2

An investigation of the caries experience of children with an intellectual disability living in a residential centre or at home

Abstract Aim and objectives: Behaviour and attitudes of children are influenced by their parent’s and caretaker’s knowledge of health and prevention of disease. The absence of family support might also influence oral health behaviour. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the caries prevalence of children with an intellectual disability (ID) who were living in a government institution with ID children who were living at home with their families. Methods: A total of 81 children, aged between 6-13 years, and divided into three groups (Group A,B,C), were examined. The children in Group A lived in a government institution all day. Group B children lived partly in a government rehabilitation centre. Group C children lived with their parents. Tooth brushing habits, periodontal status and daily dietary schedules of the children were recorded. Results: Mean age of groups A,B,C were 10.1, 8.5, and 9.1 years respectively. The caries status of all groups was determined using DMFT and dft indices. The mean dft in group A was 0.78±1.40 and DMFT was 1.30±1.64. In group B, the mean dft was 1.46±1.65 and DMFT was 1±1.65, and in group C the mean dft was 5.04±3.29 and DMFT was 3.4±2.17. The level of dental caries was the highest in group C. Conclusions: From a preventive dental health perspective, special attention should be focused on subjects with ID who are not living in institutions. Increasing caretakers’ and families’ participation in the oral care of children with ID, and frequent follow-ups, are essential in maintaining appropriate dental health care for this special group.

Key words: Intellectual disability, carer, residential care, dental care

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
1
Page End
4
Authors
F. Zeynep Aytepe, E.Bahar Tuna, Banu Ilhan, Didem Oner Ozdas, Esra Yamac

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  1. Editorial
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  1. An overview of the Oral Motor Function Therapy Clinic in the Special Care Unit in Westmead Hospital, Australia
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  1. Recruitment difficulties associated with epidemiological surveys of the dental health of children with a Statement of Educational Special Needs in four PCTs in the Northwest of England in 2006/7
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  1. An investigation of the caries experience of children with an intellectual disability living in a residential centre or at home
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  1. Evaluation of the impact of dental status and salivary secretion on people with dysphagia
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  1. Further abstracts from the IADH Congress, Santos, Brazil October 2008
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  1. Oral hygiene education programme for intellectually impaired students attending a special school
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