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Oral conditions in children with cerebral palsy
Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues dos Santos1, Danilo Masiero, Neil Ferreira Novo
1Division of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, University Cruzeiro Do Sul, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have significantly higher rates of dental caries, plaque, and malocclusion. Early preventive dental care is crucial for this high-risk population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a severe childhood disability with increasing prevalence, especially in premature low-weight infants.
- Individuals with CP often present with unique oral health challenges requiring specialized care.
- Previous research indicates a need for comprehensive oral health assessments in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of dental caries, plaque index, eruption timing, malocclusion, bruxism, and oral motor skills in children with CP.
- To compare oral health outcomes in children with CP against a control group of typically developing children.
- To establish the oral health profile of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 62 children with CP (study group) and 67 typically developing children (control group).
- Assessment of dental caries (DMFS index), plaque index, permanent molar eruption time, malocclusion, bruxism, and oral motor skills.
- Nonparametric statistical tests (Mann-Whitney, Fisher's Exact, Chi-square, Cochran's Q) were employed for data analysis with a significance level of P<.05.
Main Results:
- Children with CP exhibited a significantly higher DMFS index in permanent dentition compared to controls.
- A significantly higher plaque index was observed in the CP group.
- Delayed permanent molar eruption, increased malocclusion, and bruxism were prevalent in children with CP. Residual food and mouth breathing were also frequently noted.
Conclusions:
- Children with cerebral palsy represent a high-risk group for dental caries.
- There is a clear need for implementing earlier and more intensive preventive dental measures for CP patients.
- Comprehensive oral hygiene and regular professional dental care are essential for managing the oral health of children with CP.
Purpose:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a major severe childhood disability and its prevalence is increasing, particularly among premature low-weight newborns. The oral conditions observed demonstrate the need for home and professional care for these individuals. This study aimed to investigate dental caries, plaque index, time of eruption, malocclusion, bruxism and motor oral skills in a group of 62 CP children (study group).
Methods:
The results were compared to those obtained for a control group with 67 normal children. Nonparametric statistical tests including the Mann-Whitney test, Fisher's Exact test (P), Chi-square test (chi2), and Cochran's Q test were used according to the nature of the variables studied, with the level of significance set at P<.05.
Results:
The results showed a significantly higher DMFS index for CP children with permanent dentition of both sexes when compared to normal children. A significantly higher plaque index was also observed in the study group. A high tendency to delayed eruption of permanent molars and significantly higher percentages of malocclusion and bruxism were observed in the study group with permanent dentition. Residual food and mouth breathing have been frequently found in CP children.
Conclusions:
Earlier preventive measures for CP patients are required because they are a high-risk group for dental caries.