Oral health status and treatment needs among deaf, mute and visually impaired children of Gulbarga district – A population based cross sectional study

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases can particularly have a harmful impact on the general health of individuals with certain systemic health problems or conditions. The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status and treatment needs among deaf, mute, and visually impaired children of the Gulbarga district. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 deaf, mute, and visually impaired children of the Gulbarga district. A specially prepared structured questionnaire was used to record the demographic variables and oral hygiene practices. Type III clinical examination was carried out. Oral health status was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) assessment form (1997). Oral hygiene index-simplified (1964) was used to assess the oral hygiene status. RESULTS: A total of 284 children were examined, aged 6–24 years, with a mean age of 12.95 years (±3.13). The prevalence of dental caries was 49.3%, and 87.4% of the children suffered from periodontal disease. Oral hygiene status was poor in 24.7% of the children. CONCLUSION: The findings in the present study highlight the lack of dental treatment. There is a considerable need for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases among deaf, mute, and visually impaired children.