Untreated dental caries in children with cerebral palsy in the Brazilian context
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Published on: March 31, 2021
Marcela Aparecida Ferreira De Camargo1, José Leopoldo Ferreira Antunes
1Association for the Assistance of Disabled Children, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Nearly half of children with cerebral palsy have untreated dental caries, a rate higher than the general population. Poor socioeconomic status and high sugar intake are key risk factors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Cerebral Palsy Research
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function and can impact oral health.
- Untreated dental caries is a significant global oral health issue, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of untreated dental caries in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To identify socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors associated with dental caries in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 200 children and adolescents (2-17 years) with CP in Brazil.
- Standardized dental examinations (WHO guidelines) and data collection on socioeconomic status, behavior, and clinical status.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of untreated dental caries was 49.5%, exceeding general population rates.
- Poor socioeconomic status and frequent sugar consumption were linked to higher caries prevalence.
- CP type (spastic, tetraparesis) was not significantly associated with caries prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Children with CP face a high burden of untreated dental caries.
- Caries risk factors in children with CP are similar to the general population.
- Integrated dental care and targeted prevention are crucial for children with CP.
Objectives:
To assess the prevalence of untreated dental caries in children with cerebral palsy and to assess socio-demographic, behavioural, and clinical covariates.
Design:
Cross-sectional assessment of 200 children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (2-17 years old) enrolled in a specialized healthcare unit in São Paulo, Brazil. The dental examination followed the World Health Organization's guidelines for oral health surveys; familial caretakers informed on socio-economic status and behaviour; the patient's medical record informed their clinical status.
Results:
The proportion of children that presented at least one tooth affected by untreated caries was 49.5%. Poor socio-economic standings and a higher frequency of sugar consumption associated with a worse profile of dental health; different types of cerebral palsy (spastic, tetraparesis) did not. The prevalence of untreated caries was higher than reference values assessed for the overall population of the same age range.
Conclusions:
The high burden of untreated dental caries on cerebral palsy patients reinforces the importance of the dentist in the interdisciplinary healthcare team attending these children. Factors associated with this outcome are the same for the general population; these findings underscore the necessity of implementing effective caries prevention in this population of cerebral palsy children.