Assessment of Oral Health Status in Epileptic Children and Healthy Children in Bengaluru City: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder, which is identified by repeated episodes of abnormal synchronous discharge of brain, resulting in several types of deficits. A percentage of them also have mental and motor deficits. Both the epileptic conditions and their medical management can influence oral health. Objective: To assess and to compare the oral health status of epileptic children and the healthy children in Bengaluru city. Material and methodology: Data was collected from the study group, which included 100 children between age-group 5 and 16 years registered under the Department of Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH). Data collected from healthy children as control group and they visited Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, VS Dental College & Hospital (VSDCH) for routine dental check-up. All subjects were examined by single qualified examiner. Gingival Index, plaque index, decayed missing filled teeth for primary teeth (dmft) and for permanent teeth (DMFT) were recorded for both study and control group. Other findings were also recorded such as injury to dentition or oral soft tissues and gingival hyperplasia as side effect of antiepileptic drug therapy. Results: There was no statistically significant difference found in dmft and DMFT between control group and study group. But, there was significant difference present in dmft and DMFT on gender basis between control and study group. Conclusion: The group of children with epilepsy suffer from several oral health problems such as dental caries, gingival enlargement, periodontal disease, and injuries of the oral cavity, which are associated with seizure-related trauma.