Enamel Hypoplasia and Dental Fluorosis in Children With Special Healthcare Needs: An Epidemiological Study

Abstract

Background Children with cerebral palsy, intellectual difficulties, or hearing deficiencies may have enamel hypoplasia. Moreover, as the child begins to walk, the fluorosis progresses to bone malformations in the lower limbs, and it fully manifests as the child grows up. Methodology An epidemiological study was conducted to assess the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status, enamel opacities, and oral hygiene habits among children 4-15 years of age from various schools for special healthcare needs including government schools and non-government organizations. Results The study sample comprised 1,047 children with special healthcare needs in the age group of 4-15 years, with 608 males and 439 females. It was seen that 29.79% of vegetarian children were affected with caries, while only 16.14% of children with a mixed diet were affected with caries. Conclusions There is no significant association between enamel hypoplasia and the physical and mental disabilities of children with special healthcare needs.