Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2008
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
9
Issue:
2

Oral health status of teenagers and young adults with intellectual impairment in Athens, Greece

Abstract Aim and objectives: To assess the oral health status in Greek teenagers and young adults with intellectual impairment. The objectives were to: evaluate their oral hygiene level, caries experience, restorative care, need for periodontal treatment and frequency of orthodontic anomalies; collect, through questionnaires, information regarding their family characteristics, medical profile, oral hygiene and dietary habits; and evaluate the influence of these factors on their oral health status. Design: 87 students (53 males, 34 females) with intellectual impairment and mean age of 21.08 years (±4.17) attending a special school in Athens participated in the study. Periodontal condition, caries incidence, dental treatment needs and malocclusion were evaluated by clinical examination in the special school’s dental office. Results: The periodontal treatment need index revealed that 60.56% of the students were in need of periodontal treatment. The mean DMFT index was 8.9 (±7.2) and caries represented the largest part of the score (mean DT: 5.4, ±5.1). Results for the restorative index showed that only 24% (±30.3) of the carious teeth surfaces were treated. Orthodontic anomalies were found in 58% of the students with a greater prevalence of crossbites and open bite. Furthermore, from regression analysis, there was an association between intellectual impairment, dental status and paternal educational level. Conclusions: Teenagers and young adults with intellectual impairment attending a special school in Athens, Greece had poor oral hygiene and increased needs for dental and periodontal treatment. Students with more severe intellectual impairment had lower caries prevalence but worse periodontal condition.

Key words: Mental impairment, oral health

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£15.00
Page Start
63
Page End
69
Authors
M Nassika, S Mamali, Sotiria Gizani, K Kavvadia

Articles from this issue

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  1. Editorial
  2. 50
  3. 50

  1. Electromyographic evaluation of anterior temporalis and masseter muscles in patients with cerebral palsy before and after postural stabilisation
  2. 59
  3. 62

  1. Oral health status of teenagers and young adults with intellectual impairment in Athens, Greece
  2. 63
  3. 69

  1. An investigation of the association between gingival bleeding and consultations for cardiac, ENT and immunological problems in people with Down syndrome
  2. 73
  3. 80

  1. Preparedness of dental undergraduates for provision of care to individuals with special health care needs in Nigeria
  2. 81
  3. 86

  1. Conscious sedationthe only tool in the box?
  2. 97
  3. 94

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