ABSTRACT
Background: Poor oral health and dental hygiene are particularly prevalent among vulnerable populations such as individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Developmental disabilities include cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, mental retardation, autism, seizure disorders, hearing and visual impairments, congenital defects or even social or intellectual disorders. Materials and method: This cross sectional survey was conducted amongst mentally and physically challenged individuals visiting a camp in Indore. The oral health status was examined using plaque, gingival index and DMFT index. Results: Brushing frequency in majority of children was once a day with toothbrush and toothpaste (78%). Only 23% of total children had no caries experience. Conclusion: This study exhibited poor oral hygiene amongst children and the results were statistically significant (mean plaque score=2.2) between mentally disabled and physically handicapped individuals among oral hygiene and 23% of children had no caries experience. Due to lack of cooperation other risk factors related to oral health status could not be recorded.
KEYWORDS:
Down's syndrome, Oral hygiene, Physically challenged, Plaque index.