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Is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder a risk factor for dental caries? A case-control study
J M Broadbent1, K M S Ayers, W M Thomson
1Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Caries Research
|December 20, 2003
Summary
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have significantly higher odds of experiencing high tooth decay. This study highlights ADHD as a potential risk factor for poor dental health in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Child Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Clinical observations suggest a link between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and increased dental caries experience in children.
- This association has not been systematically investigated, necessitating empirical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if ADHD is associated with a higher likelihood of elevated dental caries experience (DMFT score) in children.
- To investigate the relationship between ADHD and tooth decay prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A matched case-control study was conducted in Otago, New Zealand.
- Data were collected via postal surveys and dental records from 128 case-control pairs, matched for age, sex, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
- Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association, controlling for fluoride exposure, medical history, diet, and oral hygiene.
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD had nearly 12 times the odds of having a high DMFT score compared to children without ADHD (OR = 11.98).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
- No other investigated factors were significant predictors of high caries experience.
Conclusions:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a significant risk factor for high dental caries experience in children.
- Dental practitioners and parents should be aware of this association and consider ADHD's impact on children's oral health.
- Further research may explore the mechanisms underlying this relationship.