Oral Health of Athletes in Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) 2022

Oral health is an essential component of overall well-being, significantly impacting the quality of life. Individuals with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities, are at a higher risk for oral health issues due to poor oral hygiene, limited dexterity, and barriers to accessing dental care. The Special Olympics Special Smiles (SOSS) program aims to improve the oral health of Special Olympics athletes by providing screening and awareness programs. However, there is limited data on the oral health status of individuals participating in Special Olympics Bharat (SOB).

This study aimed to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of SOB athletes attending the "Return to Play-Inclusion Revolution" event in Bengaluru, India, on April 7, 2022.

A total of 586 SOB athletes participated in the study. Data collection was done using the standardized SOSS form. Demographic details, oral hygiene practices, dental caries, missing teeth, periodontal health, traumatic dental injuries, and preventive care measures were recorded. Screening was conducted using disposable mouth mirrors, gloves, and flashlights in a field setting. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

The mean age of participants was 27.16 ± 12.23 years, with 61.61% males and 38.39% females. About 79% of the athletes brushed their teeth at least once daily, but 99.31% had signs of gingival inflammation, indicating poor oral hygiene. The prevalence of dental caries was 95.9%, with 87% of untreated caries found in molars. Traumatic dental injuries were observed in 30.2% of participants, and edentulism was recorded in 14.7%. Preventive treatments such as fluoride application (4.6%) and sealants (3.7%) were notably low. Emergency dental referral was required for only 0.85% of participants, while 2.38% reported experiencing oral pain.

The findings highlight a significant burden of unmet oral health needs among SOB athletes. Despite a high percentage of individuals brushing their teeth, poor gingival health and a high prevalence of dental caries indicate inadequate oral hygiene practices. The low uptake of preventive care suggests a need for targeted interventions, including improved access to dental services, caregiver training, and community-based oral health programs. Further studies should explore the correlation between disability type and oral health outcomes using advanced diagnostic tools like the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and the Community Periodontal Index (CPI).