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Improving Oral Health in Children With Disabilities: A Preventive Home-Based Care Model From Türkiye.
Esra Tunalı1, Cafer Ataş2, Yakup Çağ3
1Private Clinic, Çanakkale, Türkiye.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|October 13, 2025
Summary
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) have higher oral health issues. Factors like irregular brushing, frequent snacking, and lower parental education increase caries risk in CSHCN.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) experience disproportionately higher rates of oral health problems due to disabilities impacting hygiene and dental access.
- These challenges necessitate targeted strategies to improve oral health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate factors influencing oral health among CSHCN within the established "dental home" framework.
- To identify key risk factors for dental caries and propose preventive interventions for CSHCN.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1229 children (0-8 years) with disabilities in Istanbul, utilizing mobile dental teams for home visits.
- Caries assessment via dfs+DMFS and dft+DMFT indices, with data collection on oral hygiene, diet, parental education, and dental history through questionnaires.
- Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and Spearman's correlation tests (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between age and caries indices (p < 0.01).
- Irregular tooth brushing, prolonged eating times (>45 min), frequent snacking (>3 times daily), and lower parental education were significantly associated with higher caries indices (p < 0.05).
- Moderate to severe plaque accumulation was present in 50.5% of participants.
Conclusions:
- An interdisciplinary approach is crucial for safeguarding the oral health of CSHCN.
- Implementing the "dental home" model and ensuring regular dental check-ups are vital steps in addressing the oral health disparities faced by CSHCN.
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