Poster Board 112: Oral Health Status in Indian Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study (original) (raw)

Cerebral palsy is a major severe childhood disability and its prevalence is increasing, particularly among premature low birth weight newborns. Less attention is paid to dental health in these children. This study aimed to investigate various dental problems such as dental caries, plaque index, malocclusion and drooling in a group of 53 Indian cerebral palsy children. The results were compared with a control group of 53 age and sex matched normal children. Non-parametric statistical tests were used, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. The results showed a significant difference between cases and controls for caries. No significant difference was noted for malocclusion. One of the significant finding was that the children affected with drooling were not affected with caries teeth. Conclusion-Good oral hygiene, accompanied by early and regular dental examination and treatment will enhance good dental health in cerebral palsy children.