Correlation Between Oral Health Status and Oral Health Impact Profile in Children With Special Needs: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

AIM The study aims to correlate the oral health status and oral health impact profile (OHIP) of children with special needs. OBJECTIVES The study's objectives are to assess and compare the oral health status and OHIP of children with special needs using the Oral Health Impact Profile - 14 items (OHIP-14) questionnaire and through clinical examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred thirty-five children with special needs under 13 years of age attending a special school in Dwarka, New Delhi, India, were included in the study. They were surveyed with the help of a questionnaire and clinical examination. In addition to sociodemographic factors, the children were assessed for the type of disability. Their oral hygiene was assessed using questions on frequency of brushing, other dental aids, and the reason for dental visits. The oral health impact profile was assessed using the OHIP-14 questionnaire, and the total score was obtained by adding the individual scores of seven domains. Oral health was examined using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, the gingival index, and the plaque index. The total DMFT score was calculated by adding the scores of each tooth. Oral hygiene was recorded as excellent, good, fair, or poor as per plaque index scores. Gingival disease was recorded as mild, moderate, or severe as per the gingival index scores. OHIP scores were correlated with DMFT scores, gingival index, and plaque index scores to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of these children. RESULTS A total of 135 subjects studying in a special school in Dwarka were studied. Out of the total subjects, 104 (77%) were male and 31 (23%) female. The majority of the study population (113, 83.7%) were in the age group of 10-13 years, 17 (12.6%) were in seven to nine years, and five (3.7%) were in four to six years. Regarding basic oral hygiene, the majority (72.6%) of children (98) could do household chores on their own, 104 (77%) brushed only once, and 74 (54.8%) used mouthwash in addition to brushing. Out of all children, 106 (78.5%) had never visited a dentist. The study population included 69 (51.1%) autistic children. The mean OHIP score was 5.05 ± 6.28, and the mean DMFT score was 2.96 ± 2.29. On correlating OHIP scores with indices, statistical significance was seen in correlating DMFT with functional limitation score (p = 0.048), DMFT with handicap score (p = 0.219), and gingival score with handicap score (p = 0.230). CONCLUSION The study reveals that children with special needs have poor oral hygiene with increased risk of caries and gingival disease. However, there is no impact on their quality of life. The main reason is the acceptance of poor oral hygiene by both the children and their caregivers. Thus, the need of the hour is to sensitize the caregivers and parents of these children regarding the importance of oral health through various oral health programs.