[Oral health in adult athletes with intellectual disabilities in Germany]

In 2008 the summer games of Special Olympics Germany took place in Karlsruhe, Germany. The athletes were offered on site the opportunity to have a voluntary and free dental examination. The examinations were performed by dental clinicians in rooms which were equipped with dental chairs. Data were collected following the criteria of WHO. 420 adult athletes took part in the dental examination. Their age ranged between 18 and 70 years and their mean age was 30.8 years. Nearly two thirds of the participants were males. The caries prevalence of the athletes was 90.8% (95% confidence interval 86.9-92.8%). The mean DMFT value was 9.4. Athletes who were living with their families had a significantly lower mean DMFT value than those living in an institution. In 22.1% of the examined athletes at least one fissure sealed tooth was observed. 58.8% presented with gingivitis and 21% had received prosthodontic care. 95% of the athletes brushed their teeth alone. Only 28% used an electric toothbrush. Less than 7% used regularly a gel with high fluoride concentration. This study shows that persons with intellectual disability still have a poorer oral health than the general population. In order to improve dental health and quality of life in persons with intellectual disability, efficient preventive programmes should be developed and applied in cooperation with parents, relatives and caregivers.