[Teeth and parodontium status of moderately mentally retarded children and the health awareness of their parents] Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis [Ann Acad Med Stetin] Journal article

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was the evaluation of teeth, parodontium and oral hygiene status in non-institutional moderately mentally retarded people. The aspects of dental prophylaxis and dental care of mentally retarded children as well as their practical introduction by the parents of examined children were assessed.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: 41 mentally retarded people aged 15-18 years old were clinically examined to assess their teeth status (DMF), parodontium status (CPI) and oral hygiene (PI). The parents of these children were surveyed by a questionnaire (39 questions).
RESULTS: The results showed a low treatment index, significantly higher number of teeth missing and those to be extracted because of caries. The knowledge of dental prophylaxis and dental treatment aspects of the parents of mentally retarded children did not reveal any significant impact on the teeth and parodontium status as well as oral health of the examined children.

Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis [Ann Acad Med Stetin]