Oral hygiene negligence among institutionalized mentally disabled children in Mysore city—A call for attention

BACKGROUND: Oral health is integral part of general health. In certain conditions especially among mentally disabled, oral health is neglected. Studies have shown that mentally disabled population has the risk of poor oral health. People with disabilities deserve the same opportunities for oral health and hygiene as those who are healthy, but sadly dental care is the most common unmet health care need of the disabled people. METHODOLOGY: This comparative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among institutionalized mentally disabled and normal children of age group 6–13 years in Mysore city. RESULTS: Majority of mentally disabled children, that is, 36.73% (n = 180), had poor oral hygiene when compared with normal children, that is, 9.18% (n = 45). This difference was statistically highly significant (P < 0.000). The significant differences in the gingival status and severity of mental disability were seen (P < 0.001). The result showed that the gingival health worsens with increase in the severity of mental disability. CONCLUSION: The present study showed the dental negligence among mentally disabled children where the parents, caretakers, and dentists are responsible. Oral health promotion programs should be conducted for special group children, their parents, as well as caretakers.