Rationale for the Prevention of Dental Anomalies and Early Orthodontic Treatment in Children With Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implants

Abstract

Subject. This paper highlights the relevance of prevention and early orthodontic treatment of dentoalveolar anomalies in children with hearing impairment, and the participation of an orthodontist in their comprehensive rehabilitation. Purpose. To substantiate the need for the prevention of dental anomalies and early orthodontic treatment of children with hearing impairment and cochlear implants. Methodology. The article presents the results of a dental examination of 78 schoolchildren aged 7–11 years with hearing impairment (including 11 people with cochlear implants) studying in specialized institutions. In this group of children, the frequency and types of dentoalveolar anomalies, indicators of the prevalence and intensity of dental caries (CFE + cf index), periodontal diseases (CPI index), soft tissue anomalies, oral hygiene (according to the simplified Green–Vermillion oral hygiene index) were determined, functional disorders of the dental system and risk factors for the formation of dental anomalies, the need for rehabilitation and orthodontic treatment. Results. When conducting a dental examination of schoolchildren aged 7–11 years with hearing impairment, a high prevalence (94.8%) of dentoalveolar anomalies (94.8%), dental caries (96.2%), and periodontal diseases (42.3%) was established. The intensity of caries during the period of mixed dentition according to the index CFE + cf is 6.06. The Green–Vermillion index value is 2.6, which corresponds to a poor level of oral hygiene. A number of risk factors for the formation of dental anomalies have been identified: abnormalities of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, early removal of temporary teeth, unworn cusps of temporary teeth, myofunctional disorders in the maxillofacial area, bad habits. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate a high prevalence and intensity of major dental diseases in schoolchildren with hearing impairment, including children with installed cochlear implants. The high need of the examined children for orthodontic treatment dictates the need to develop methods for the prevention and treatment of dental anomalies, adapted to this category of children.