PREVALENCE OF CARIES AND THE NEED FOR URGENT DENTAL TREATMENT AMONG CHILDREN WITH NEUROLOGICAL IMPAIRMENT IN NORTHEASTERN BULGARIA

Introduction: Oral health is extremely important for the quality of life and well-being. Findings reveal that people with special needs have difficulties in getting dental care, which increases their risk of oral diseases. The recommendations for dental examination are identical for patients with and without neurological impairment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of caries and overall dental health among children with motor and mental disabilities in Northeastern Bulgaria. Methods: A total of 53 children with neurological impairment under the age of 18 were selected from Varna and Ruse from April to October 2017. Data on age, gender, height, weight, caregiver education level were collected. Information on oral hygiene behavior and diet was gathered as well. The 2013 World Health Organization standards for dental caries were used to assess the oral health status. The data were analyzed with the statistical package Jamovi v.2.2.2.0. Results: Children were divided into two groups – with predominantly motor or mental impairment. Both groups had high rates of caries and need for urgent dental treatment with no significant difference observed. The CPITN correlated positively with motor impairment (Spearman's rho= 0.393; p= 0.043). It was discovered that children with motor impairment had a higher prevalence of malocclusion than children with mental impairment (rho= -0.331; p= 0.016). The number of caries correlated as well with the type of occlusion (Spearman's rho=0.378; p=0.005), the dentition type (rho=0.343; p=0.012) and the age (rho= 0.372; p= 0.006). Conclusion: The study findings indicate that both types of neurological impairments were associated with a high frequency of caries and a significant need for urgent dental care. More frequent dental examination is thought to improve oral health. Nevertheless, more studies are required to substantiate this theory