Abstracto

Evaluation of Oral Health Status, Practices and Treatment Needs of Children Attending Special Schools in the Twin Cities of Telangana State

Ambati Silpa Naidu, Triekan Sownetha, Susheel Ramdaspally, B Ankush, Radhika Muppa, Srinivas NCH

Objective: To evaluate oral hygiene practices, oral health status and other oral problems in children who are institutionalized in various special schools. Methods: 682 children comprising of 5 different categories that is: 1. Mentally challenged, 2. Down syndrome, 3. Autistic disorder, 4. Cerebral palsy, 5. Deaf and Dumb were screened for: oral hygiene practice, Dental caries experience, Oral hygiene status, Malocclusion, Angular cheilitis, Lip incompetency, Term of delivery, Co-operation during examination. Results: 89.9% them brushed once daily with compulsory assistance. 78% never visited the dentist. The mean deft/ DMFT score was 5.133 with fair oral hygiene (Mean-2.688) and highest prevalence of malocclusion. There was a statistical significance (p<0.001) in the findings among these children. Conclusion: Preventive services, regular checkups with education and motivation to the parents would be beneficial to these children.