Caregivers' Perceptions Regarding Oral Health Status of Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the perception of caregivers regarding the oral health status of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and those with typical development. Study Design: Study group (SG) was composed of 35 children and adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of CP and their caregivers. Control group (CG) was composed of 35 individuals with typical development (matched with the SG for age, sex and caries activity) and their caregivers. Questionnaire was administered to caregivers addressing the oral health of individuals under their care. Caries activity, dmft/DMFT index, visible plaque index (VPI) and occlusal characteristics were determined. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the perceptions of dental problems (p = 0.004) and gingival bleeding (p = 0.013). Individuals in SG whose caregivers perceived dental problems had a higher mean VPI (50.84 +/- 5.11%) than those in CG (27.97 +/- 6.50%). The mean dmft/DMFT in the SG was 2.77 +/- 3.20. Class II molar relationship, overjet and anterior open bite were more prevalent in the SG. Conclusion: Caregivers of children/adolescents with CP perceive more oral problems, such as visible plaque, gingival bleeding and malocclusion, than caregivers of children/adolescents with typical development.