Oral health status of the disabled compared with that of the non-disabled in Korea: A propensity score matching analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThere are many types of disabilities, and each type has a variety related to socioeconomic factors. Such factors affect to many health problems of the disabled. However, surveys of the oral health status of the disabled in Korea are rare.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to estimate oral health disparity through comparing oral health status of the disabled to the non-disabled, adjusted for the net effect of the disability on oral health status.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among the disabled in urban and suburban areas in Korea from June to September 2016. People with physical, mental, and multiple disabilities took part in this survey. The clinical examinations were carried out by trained dentists. Statistical analysis was performed to quantify the association between oral health and socioeconomic status after restricting the analysis using a propensity score matching method.ResultsThe disabled had more DMFT, DT, and MT, fewer FT, and fewer teeth than the non-disabled based on entire groups (P<0.01). No difference in the ratio of periodontitis was observed. The subjects with mental disabilities (MD) scored 3.09 (95% CI, 1.07–8.97), and those with multiple disabilities scored 4.37 (95% CI, 1.16–16.37) for edentulous status. The MD had an odds ratio of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.03–1.74), and those with multiple disabilities had an odds ratio of 1.75 (95% CI, 1.11–2.76) for the DMFT index.ConclusionsThese results represent poor oral health status of the disabled compared to the non-disabled. Consequentially, we can verify that not only the existence of disability but also the type of disability has a decisive effect on oral health condition. This comparison is necessary to widen our approach to evaluate the actual status condition of the disabled.

Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs for Children with Special Needs: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…As a matter of fact, it is expected to see a lower hygiene status among individuals with multiple disabilities, particularly those with conditions causing cognitive and psychomotor impairment. Previous authors reported that there is a correlation between the level of oral hygiene and the degree of disability [26]. Obviously, this group of subjects needs extra attention and probably the efforts of the caregivers at home are insufficient to provide efficient oral care.…”

Barriers in Access to Dental Services Hindering the Treatment of People with Disabilities: A Systematic Review

“…These differences may vary according to the country and the types of disabilities included in the survey. In South Korea, researchers evaluated comparable samples of people (a) with physical disabilities (DMFT = 7.3), (b) with mental disabilities (DMFT = 8.3), and (c) with multiple disabilities (DMFT = 8.2) and people without disabilities (DMFT = 4.9) [ 6 ]. In another study carried out in Portugal, with institutionalized people with disabilities, a mean DMFT of 11.2 was found which was much higher than the general population of the same age group [ 7 ].…”

Guidance for dental treatment of patients with disabilities during COVID-19 pandemic

“… People with disabilities are often unable to maintain oral hygiene, and have relatively more oral disease and traumatic dental injuries. 6 They often need immediate emergency dental treatment due to severe pain. People with disabilities may be unable to maintain personal hygiene and often have additional systemic diseases that make them relatively more vulnerable to COVID-19.…”

“…People with disabilities are often unable to maintain oral hygiene, and have relatively more oral disease and traumatic dental injuries. 6 They often need immediate emergency dental treatment due to severe pain.…”