Dental Care Evaluation Among Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Special School Survey in Karachi

Background: Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) face malfunctioning in the motor system and go through difficulties in hearing, eating, sight, and musculoskeletal systems and are also mentally impaired. This may render them unable to maintain proper oral hygiene. The objective of this study was to evaluate oral hygiene in children with cerebral palsy in Karachi’s special schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a total of 80 CP children was conducted in special schools in Karachi using a purposive sampling technique. CP children aged 12-15, who consented via guardians/school and were able to comply with the procedure were included. CP children on medications or systemic diseases were excluded. Proforma containing demographic details, and dental history questions were asked. Oral examination was done using the Plaque index, Gingival index, and Oral hygiene index simplified was observed. Results: In this study, there were 48 (60%) males and 32 (40%) females. The mean ± SD of age was 14.4 ±1.4. Independent t-test showed that there was a significant association of gingival index means with the institutes selected (p=0.004). The other parameters PI and OHIS did not show any association. Mean PI (mean 1.99, SD 0.62) and GI (mean 1.9, SD 0.60) showed moderate plaque and gingival inflammation and poor oral hygiene index (mean 3.31, SD 1.3). ANOVA showed associations of PI, GI & and OHIS with dental habits. Conclusion: CP children have poor oral hygiene status and therefore need early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent complications.