Oral Health Status, Oral Health Behaviors, and Oral Health Care Utilization among Persons with Disabilities in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Various studies have indicated that persons with special needs may face several barriers to dental treatment, which increases the prevalence of oral diseases in this population. Moreover, these studies suggested that Saudis with special needs have a higher prevalence of oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease. The aim of this review is to synthesize evidence regarding the current status, trends in oral health behaviors, and oral health care utilization among these individuals, as well as to assess the quality of the literature. Furthermore, this review seeks to recommend directions for future research and oral health care policymaking. An electronic search was conducted using the following databases and registers: PubMed/Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and CENTRAL. Gray literature, which included conference proceedings and unpublished literature, was searched via the library services and Google/Google Scholar, and the quality of studies was assessed using the AXIS scale for cross-sectional studies. A total of 38 studies were included in this review, with the majority of the studies graded as ‘low’. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that individuals with special needs have limited access to oral health care, poor oral health status, and a general lack of awareness in regard to oral health. Therefore, nationwide surveys should be carried out to ascertain the actual extent of the oral inequities among individuals with special needs.

Influence of Tooth Brushing and Previous Dental Visits on Dental Caries Status among Saudi Arabian Children

“…It is a microbial disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth, characterized by demineralization of the inorganic component and destruction of the organic content of the tooth [ 2 ]. Many factors, including age, sex, ethnicity, dietary habits, and oral hygiene routines, affect the prevalence and incidence of dental caries in a community [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. The present study attempted to establish a relationship between dental caries status and tooth brushing habits, and previous dental visits.…”

“…The desired sample size for the study was 252. Using prior research [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ] and taking into account the cultural sensitivity of the study group, a structured, self-administered parental questionnaire was constructed. To ensure accuracy, the questionnaire was translated into Arabic and then back into English.…”

“…Therefore, there is a continuing requirement to evaluate the severity and patterns of caries. A number of studies in Saudi Arabia have reported the correlation between dental caries and factors such as body mass index, dietary patterns, the level of education of parents, and oral hygiene [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. However, there is still a need for data addressing the pattern and severity of caries in order to identify the extent and quality of caries preventive programs and treatment needs in preschool children in Saudi Arabia.…”

“…However, there is still a need for data addressing the pattern and severity of caries in order to identify the extent and quality of caries preventive programs and treatment needs in preschool children in Saudi Arabia. The majority of research [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ] concentrated on both mixed and permanent dentitions. However, no research has shown the influence of brushing frequency or the number of dental appointments one has had in the past on the presence or absence of dental caries.…”

Oral Health Promotion among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review

“…48 A policy system will likely be needed to ensure that consistent and high-quality oral healthcare for people with disabilities in general and with IDs in particular is maintained through broad implementation of healthy lifestyles and desirable oral health behaviors. 24 48 49 50 However, it has also been proposed that a uniform approach to supporting oral health for individuals with developmental and IDs is unlikely to succeed until a system-based approach is adopted to address the diverse needs of such a population. 13 Therefore, future trials are needed that use clearly defined participant characteristics and outcomes to increase precision and decrease bias.…”