Oral health-related quality of life in disabled children

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of oral cavity diseases on the quality of life in children with neuromotor disabilities (NMD) in Moldova. Materials and methods: Clinical examination was performed on 228 children of 12–13 years old with different types of NMD, placed in specialized residential institutions for children with neuromotor and mental disabilities. The control group consisted of 243 relatively healthy 12–13 year-olds, placed in boarding schools for orphans children. The study was conducted in compliance with ethical requirements, obtaining the written consent of children’s parents or legal guardians. The DMFT index and oral hygiene status (OHI-S index) have been estimated, as well as the prevalence and severity of the impact of oral health on the quality of children’s life (Child-OIDP index). Results: The prevalence of the impact of oral cavity diseases on children’s daily activities has enhanced severity in children with NMD and it reached 69.30%. Oral cavity diseases affected food consumption, hygiene of oral cavity, emotional stability and appearance functions. The main causes of these effects are: untreated dental caries and its complications, toothache, extraction of permanent teeth. Conclusions: The severity of impact of dental diseases on quality of life in children with NMD depends on the severity of the neurological disorders, associated disabilities, type of child’s nutrition, dental status, quality of dental care and the implementation of preventive measures. The results of this study will be used to select the methods and remedies to prevent dental diseases in children with NMD.