Aim:
This study compares and evaluates the efficacy of ozonated water irrigation (OZI) and powered toothbrushing on the oral health and microbial status of mentally challenged individuals.
Materials and Methods:
Thirty individuals of age range 15–30 years with a mild-to-moderate level of mental retardation (MR) and gingival inflammation participated in this double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Total duration of the study was 45 days consisting of two clinical phases (phase I, i.e., aided) and phase II, i.e. unaided) of the duration of 21 days in each phase, with a washout period of 3 days between the two phases. With a split-mouth design, sites from each subject were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: Powered Toothbrushing (PB) and OZI were randomly done for each half side of the mouth of each subject. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from sites of both the treatment groups and sent for microbial analysis. Clinical and microbial parameters were measured before and after the treatment.
Results:
Significant improvement of the clinical and microbial parameters was found in both treatment groups. However, intergroup differences in the parameters were statistically nonsignificant.
Conclusion:
OZI could serve as an alternative or adjunct to powered toothbrushes for people with MR.
Mental Retardation (MR) is a genetic disorder mainfested in significantly below average overall intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive behaviour. It is a particular state of functioning that begins in childhood and is characterized by decreased intelligence and adaptive skills and also is the most common developmental disorder, often missed by clinicians. The condition is present in 2 to 3 percent of the population, either as an isolated finding or as part of a syndrome or broader disorder. Looking at varies studies it was concluded that the oral health situation of these groups must be improved and a suitable system devised for delivery of preventive measures. Special consideration must be given to improving the oral health of these groups. Oral health should be included in each child’s individual health care plan with oral health promotion programmes aimed specifically at special needs schools and their parents. Children should be instructed to clean their teeth twice a day and oral hygiene should be practised at school and supervised by teachers. There should be a provision for in-service training for teachers, school staff and parents on how to promote good oral health specifically for these children with disabilities.
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