Predictors of oral health after spinal cord injury

Cross-sectional study.

To examine predictors of oral health in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Ninety-two people with SCI (> or =6 months, 44% cervical level) completed questionnaires and underwent oral examination. Socio-economic, injury-related and oral habits variables were used for predicting oral health score (OHS); Decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score; and periodontal screen and recording index (PSR).

Most people with SCI were able to bring at least one hand to the mouth (82%) and brush teeth independently (65%). Regarding daily oral habits, 84% reported brushing teeth, 48% rinsing mouth, 14% flossing, 33% tobacco use and 13% mouthstick use. Only 32% had teeth cleaned within the past year. Oral examination revealed three decayed and eight missing teeth on average, with prominent periodontal disease (64%). Employment before SCI and more risky oral habits were significant predictors of worse OHS (P=0.005 and P=0.014, respectively) and PSR score (P=0.010 and P=0.035, respectively). Older age was the only predictor of worse DMFT score (P<0.001).

Oral health appears compromised in people with SCI. Identification of modifiable risk factors warrants examination whether intervention with focus on behavioral changes may improve oral health in this population.