Oral hygiene negligence among institutionalized mentally disabled children in Mysore city—A call for attention

Abstract

Background: Oral health is integral part of general health. In certain conditions especially among mentally disabled, oral health is neglected. Studies have shown that mentally disabled population has the risk of poor oral health. People with disabilities deserve the same opportunities for oral health and hygiene as those who are healthy, but sadly dental care is the most common unmet health care need of the disabled people. Methodology: This comparative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among institutionalized mentally disabled and normal children of age group 6–13 years in Mysore city. Results: Majority of mentally disabled children, that is, 36.73% ( n = 180), had poor oral hygiene when compared with normal children, that is, 9.18% ( n = 45). This difference was statistically highly significant ( P < 0.000). The significant differences in the gingival status and severity of mental disability were seen ( P < 0.001). The result showed that the gingival health worsens with increase in the severity of mental disability. Conclusion: The present study showed the dental negligence among mentally disabled children where the parents, caretakers, and dentists are responsible. Oral health promotion programs should be conducted for special group children, their parents, as well as caretakers.

Institutional caregivers’ predictors of oral hygiene frequency in adults with cerebral palsy

“…Most caregivers (58.3%) reported brushing the teeth of the people in their charge at least once a day. Some studies in institutions for people with special needs indicate similar values, 18,19 but others have found higher percentages. 20,21 The main obstacle indicated in this study for not performing toothbrushing was the lack of cooperation from people with CP.…”

“…17,22,27 This activity is considered painful, unpleasant, and mentally pointed out as the most irritating task to perform to dependent persons. 18 Working in the oral cavity of others presents a psychological difficulty, and one feels reluctance in this intervention, despite the need to deal with other hygienic care of dependent people. 23 However, this study did not find this situation, possibly because the caregivers had worked for some time with the same disabled individuals, having a closer and more comfortable relationship with them.…”

Estratégias De Promoção Da Saúde Bucal Em Crianças: Revisão Integrativa

“…Em relação aos resultados, os artigos mostram amplo escopo de ações, tratamentos e atividades educativas que impactam na saúde das crianças. Os registros mostram que determinadas intervenções melhoraram a familiaridade, motivação, autocuidado e conscientização nas escolas em relação às práticas de saúde bucal, entretanto, quando comparadas às crianças com e sem transtornos mentais, foi observado que o primeiro grupo tem uma higiene bucal precária (ABDALLAH, 2018;BENNADI, 2020). As intervenções educativas (p. ex.…”

Assessment of oral health status among intellectually and physically disabled population in Chennai

“…[ 2 3 ] Literature suggests that the management of intellectually and physically disabled populations, and maintaining their oral hygiene and dental treatment is a significant challenge for parents as well as dentists. [ 4 ] Government of India during 1995 undergoing “Persons with Disabilities Act” narrated “handicapped” as an individual with one or more forthcoming mentioned disabilities: vision impairment, leprosy, loss of hearing, orthopedic disorder, and mental illness.…”

“…The AAMD classifies retardation into four groups according to intelligence quotient (IQ): mild IQ score is 50–55 to 70; moderate IQ score - 35–40 to 50; severe (IQ score 20–25–35); or profound retardation (IQ score below 20–25). [ 4 5 ] Handicap (physically challenged) is the loss or limitation of opportunities to mingle in the normal life of the community in the same perspective with other people due to physical and social barriers. [ 6 ] Evidence suggests that there have been poorer levels of oral health among the special needs population when compared with the general population.…”