Oral health, dental anxiety, and behavior management problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate whether children with ADHD have a higher caries prevalence, a higher degree of dental anxiety, or more dental behavior management problems (BMP) than children of a control group. Twenty-five children with ADHD and a control group of 58 children, all aged 11 yr, were included in the study. The children underwent a clinical dental examination, and bitewing radiographs were taken. The parents completed the Dental Subscale of Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS). Dental records from the subjects were obtained, and data regarding notes on behavior management problems (BMP) of the children when between 3 and 10 yr of age were compiled. Compared with controls, children with ADHD had significantly higher decayed, missing or filled surfaces (DMFS) (2.0 +/- 3.0 vs. 1.0 +/- 1.5) and significantly higher decayed surfaces (DS) (1.7 +/- 3.6 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.9). Differences between the groups regarding CFSS-DS scores were non-significant. In the ADHD group, the prevalence of BMP increased when the children were between 7 and 9 yr of age. In conclusion, children with ADHD exhibited a higher caries prevalence, did not exhibit a higher degree of dental anxiety, and had more BMP than children of a control group.

Do Signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Increase the Odds of Dental Caries? A Case-Control Study

“…While other investigations report the same association [Grooms et al, 2005;Blomqvist et al, 2006;Chandra et al, 2009;Blomqvist et al, 2011;Aminabadi et al, 2016], some studies offer divergent findings [Hidas et al, 2013;Lorber et al, 2014].…”

“…The effect of ADHD on these activities may contribute to higher prevalence rates of oral problems in affected schoolchildren [Blomqvist et al, 2006;Mota-Veloso et al, 2016]. Characteristics such as impulsiveness and difficulty concentrating can also exert an influence on the patient-dentist relationship during dental appointments [Blomqvist et al, 2005;Carlsson et al, 2013].…”

Oral and Dental Health Problems of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders, and Solution Proposals

“…Bazı araştırıcılar, çürük, kayıp, dolgulu dişler (DMFT)/dmft skorlarının DEHB'li çocuklarda daha fazla olduğunu bildirirken (11,12,43,47), kimi araştırıcılar kavitasyonlu çürük lezyonları ve diş çürüğü sonuçları açısından, DEHB'li çocukların sağlıklı çocuklarla benzer durumda olduklarını tespit etmişlerdir (28,42,44,48).…”

“…DEHB görülen çocukların, dental anksiyete seviyelerinin daha yüksek olmadığı ancak daha fazla davranış yönlendirme problemleri gösterdikleri tespit edilmiştir (47,73). DEHB'li çocukların %58,3'ünde davranış yönlendirmesinde güçlük yaşanırken kontrol grubunda bu oran %37,9 olarak saptanmıştır (47).…”

“…Bazı çalışmalarda ise, DEHB'li çocukların, şiddetli hiperaktivite ya da dürtüsellik semptomları olmadıkça, sağlıklı çocuklarla benzer seviyede dental anksiyete gösterdikleri belirtilmiştir (28,47,75).…”