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.