Risk factors for dental caries in children with cerebral palsy

This study was conducted to examine the oral condition and the salivary and microbiological parameters associated with dental caries in 62 children with cerebral palsy, who came from households of low socioeconomic status (Study Group). This group had mixed (6 to 11 years old) and permanent (11 to 16 years old) dentition. Dental examinations were performed to measure dental caries, plaque index, salivary levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, salivary flow rate, pH of stimulated saliva, and buffer capacity of saliva. A group of 67 non-handicapped children from similar socioeconomic backgrounds also were examined using these parameters (Control Group). Data were analyzed statistically by non-parametric tests and by correlation. The results showed that children with cerebral palsy who had permanent dentitions had a higher mean decayed, missing and filled surfaces index, as well as a higher plaque index for both sexes. Microbiological examination revealed higher levels of mutans streptococci among Study Group subjects with mixed dentition than in the Control Group. Also, lactobacillus counts were higher in the Study Group, regardless of sex or dentition. With respect to salivary flow rate, pH and buffering capacity, lower mean values were obtained for the Study Group.