A comparative study on oral health status in Greek preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders with movement limitations

Abstract

Aim To assess the oral health status of preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) in Greece and compare it to that, of healthy children of the same age. Methods and results The sample consisted of 146 preschool children with NDD and movement limitations attending the rehabilitation centers of ELEPAP and 165 healthy children matched for age and maternal origin. Caries prevalence, dmft index, precavitated carious lesions (WSL) prevalence Visual Plaque Index (VPI), Restorative Index (RI), Mutans Streptococci (MS) levels, saliva buffer capacity, gingival hyperplasia, tooth wear and developmental dental defects were assessed. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests (P ≤.05). The NDD group, compared to the healthy controls, had significantly lower caries prevalence (P <.001), dmft index (P <.001), VPI (P <.001) and MS levels (P = .027), significantly higher WSL prevalence (P <.001), and visited the dentist at an older age (P <.001). Significant determinants of WSL in the NDD group was the VPI (P = .009) and the presence of MS (P <.028). Conclusion Preschool children with NDD had lower prevalence of manifested caries but higher prevalence of WSL. However, most oral health parameters need improvement for both groups indicating the need for proper early interventions especially in the NDD group.