Oral health status in Greek children and teenagers, with disabilities

Abstract

Nowadays there is a sharp increase of population with disabilities. The aim of this investigation was a) to survey the dental health status, estimate the treatment requirements of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, mental retardation and visual disorders and b) to compare the oral health status of these groups of individuals. The investigation entailed the clinical examination of 170 individuals, between 6 and 15 years old, who were attending four special schools in Athens, Greece. In conclusion, our investigation documented the following: The treatment needs regarding both dentitions are extremely high in all groups of individuals. The oral hygiene status is in general, moderate to low-grade, especially in the individuals with mental retardation. The highest rate of malocclusion is observed in the group of individuals with cerebral palsy.