A cross-sectional cariogram-based comparison of caries risk profile in children with various levels of intellectual disability

Abstract

Aim: To compare the caries risk profile in children with mild, moderate, and severe intellectual disability (ID) using cariogram. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare caries risk profile using cariogram among 150 children aged 6-18 years, with various levels of ID (50 each in Mild ID, Moderate ID, and Severe ID groups), attending special schools in Bengaluru city. The risk assessment consisted of: A questionnaire, an interview, estimation of oral hygiene, saliva sampling, microbial evaluation and clinical examination. Statistical analysis of the results obtained was performed using Chi-square/Fischer's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The overall comparison showed significant differences between the groups across all parameters except diet (P = 0.131), fluoride exposure (P = 1), salivary flow rate (P = 0.3), and buffer capacity (P = 1). Caries risk was high among children with severe intellectually disability while the actual chance to avoid caries was found to be high in the Mild ID group. Bacteria was one of the dominant caries risk sectors followed by susceptibility, circumstances, and diet. Conclusion: Cariogram can be used as an effective tool in assessing caries prediction, thus aiding in identifying different risk groups in a community so that appropriate preventive measures can be implemented to overcome the caries risk.