Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Is there a relationship between hyperactivity/inattention symptoms and poor oral health? Results from the GINIplus
Gabriele Kohlboeck1, Daniela Heitmueller, Claudia Neumann
1German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Germany. gabriele.kohlboeck@helmholtz-muenchen.de
Objectives:
A few clinical observations reported that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have poor oral health compared to children without ADHD. However, evidence is not conclusive. We assess the association between hyperactivity/inattention and oral health in a population-based study.
Material And Methods:
As part of the ongoing birth cohort studies German Infant Nutritional Intervention-plus (GINIplus) and Influences of lifestyle-related factors on the immune system and the development of allergies in childhood-plus (LISAplus), 1,126 children at age 10 years (±10.2) from Munich (Germany) were included in the present analysis. During the dental examination, oral hygiene, non-cavitated and cavitated caries lesions, dental trauma, and enamel hypomineralization (EH) in the permanent dentition (MIH/1) were recorded. Children with a Molar-Incisor-Hypomineralization were subcategorized into those with EH on at least one first permanent molar (MIH/1A), and on at least one first permanent molar and permanent incisor (MIH/1B). Data on children's hyperactivity/inattention symptoms were collected by parent-reported Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Logistic regressions and zero-inflated Poisson regression models were applied adjusted for gender, parental education, parental income, and methylphenidate or atomoxetine medication.
Results:
Logistic regressions showed that non-cavitated caries lesions were positively related with the presence of hyperactivity/inattention (ORadj = 1.51,CI95% = 1.08-2.11). When adjusted for parental background, an association showed between hyperactivity/inattention symptoms and MIH/1A but did not reach statistical significance (ORadj = 1.59,CI95% = 1.00-2.53).
Conclusions:
Children with borderline and abnormal values of hyperactivity/inattention symptoms showed more non-cavitated caries lesions. Severe levels of hyperactivity/inattention may contribute to a higher risk for MIH/1A in school age.
Clinical Relevance:
Adequate dental preventive care for children with hyperactivity/inattention, especially from a low social background, is of importance for optimal caries prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:27The Oral Microbiota
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.