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The prevalence of malocclusion in children with cerebral palsy
D L Franklin1, F Luther, M E Curzon
1Leeds Dental Institute, UK.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) show a higher prevalence of malocclusion, particularly increased overjet, compared to typically developing children. Further research is needed to confirm findings on other malocclusion types in CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Malocclusion is a common dental issue.
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function and can impact oral health.
- Limited research exists on malocclusion prevalence in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of malocclusion in children with cerebral palsy.
- To compare malocclusion rates between children with CP and a normal control group.
- To assess associated factors like drooling, prematurity, and mental handicap.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study design.
- Inclusion of a cerebral palsy group and a normal control group.
- Assessment of malocclusion, drooling, prematurity, and mental handicap.
Main Results:
- Children with cerebral palsy exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of malocclusion.
- A statistically significant increase in overjet was observed in children with CP (P < 0.001).
- A potential tendency towards Class II malocclusion in more handicapped children with CP was noted, though not statistically significant due to sample size.
Conclusions:
- Children with cerebral palsy have an increased risk of malocclusion, especially increased overjet.
- Associated factors such as drooling, prematurity, and mental handicap may influence malocclusion severity in CP.
- Larger sample sizes are required to confirm findings on other malocclusion types and associations.
Abstract:
The prevalence of malocclusion in children with cerebral palsy was studied by comparison with a normal control group. The prevalence of drooling and prematurity was also assessed as well as the degree of mental handicap. Results showed an increased prevalence of malocclusion in children with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsied children are likely to have a significantly increased overjet (P < 0.001) when compared with normal children. The comparatively small sample sizes precluded firm conclusions being drawn regarding other group comparisons (such as comparing children with cerebral palsy with and without a mental handicap) but there may be a tendency towards the more handicapped group having a Class II malocclusion.