Anthropometric and Sociodemographic Correlates of Dental Caries and Gingival Health in Children With Special Healthcare Needs at a Saudi Tertiary Care Hospital.

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the impact of anthropometric and sociodemographic factors on dental caries and gingival health among children with special healthcare needs (SHCN).

Methods and results: This cross-sectional study involved 108 children, aged 4-14 years, with congenital heart disease, childhood cancer, bleeding disorders, various syndromes, and multiple conditions. Caregivers completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, and children underwent dental examinations to assess caries, gingival health, and oral hygiene. Anthropometric measures-weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)-were obtained and categorized into percentiles (<10, 10-90, >90) using age- and gender-specific growth charts. Dental caries was highly prevalent (93.5%), with a mean dmft/DMFT value of 7.70 (SD ± 5.22). The mean gingival index was 0.43 (SD ± 0.52). Total dmft/DMFT values were significantly higher in children ≤6 years and those with fathers of lower educational levels. Poor oral hygiene was a strong predictor of adverse outcomes for both caries and gingival health. Higher gingival indices correlated with children in the >90th weight percentile.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for comprehensive oral health interventions that integrate meticulous oral hygiene, paternal education, and holistic growth monitoring beyond BMI. The results support implementing a 3-month recall program for professional dental care, combined with individualized oral hygiene instruction for caregivers. This approach is particularly crucial for the younger age group (≤6 years) where targeted early intervention could significantly reduce caries risk.