Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
March 2009
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
10
Issue:
1

A preliminary investigation into aspects of oral health of Bangladeshi young adults with a learning disability in Tower Hamlets

Abstract Aim and objectives: To investigate aspects of the oral health, oral health awareness and oral health behaviours of Bangladeshi young adults with a learning disability. Design: A convenience sample of Bangladeshi young adults with a learning disability was obtained from adult day centres in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Structured interviews with 52 individuals (to establish oral health awareness, dental behaviour, perceived needs and dental anxiety) were followed by a standardised oral examination to establish normative dental and treatment needs. Results: Participants were very aware of different oral health conditions and their social implications. Aesthetics was especially important. The mean caries experience, expressed as DMFT, was 4.49; periodontal treatment was required by 88% of the study population; high levels of tooth wear and dental trauma were found, 48% and 42% respectively; and severe malocclusion was found in 53%. Oral health behaviours were unfavourable with generally poor oral hygiene, high use of betel nut and a trend of symptom-based rather than routine dental attendance. Women were significantly more likely to express dental anxiety than were men, 55% and 25% respectively, and had an overwhelming preference to see a female dentist from their own background (73%). Conclusion: Bangladeshi young adults with learning disabilities have complex and unmet oral health needs.

Key words: Learning disability, Bangladesh young adults, oral health awareness, oral health, dental behaviour

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
25
Page End
35
Authors
Mili Doshi, Mary Burke, Janice Fiske

Articles from this issue

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  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 1
  3. 1

  1. A survey of the quality and quantity of Special Care Dentistry teaching, including Gerodontology, in dental schools of the United Kingdom and Ireland
  2. 3
  3. 10

  1. Oral Health Assessment 1.pdf
  2. 11
  3. 17

  1. Oral health risk assessment of adults with learning disabilities: (2) Attitudes of dentists and care staff
  2. 18
  3. 24

  1. A preliminary investigation into aspects of oral health of Bangladeshi young adults with a learning disability in Tower Hamlets
  2. 25
  3. 35

  1. Management of exaggerated gag reflex using conscious sedation techniques in endodontic therapy - a pilot study
  2. 36
  3. 40

  1. Locked-in syndrome: A case report
  2. 41
  3. 43

  1. A tribute Jane Chalmers
  2. 47
  3. 47

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