Assessment of oral health status among intellectually and physically disabled population in Chennai

BACKGROUND: Oral health is an integral part of general health. In certain populations, especially among intellectually and physically disabled individuals, oral health is neglected. People with disabilities deserve the same opportunities for oral health and hygiene as those who are abled, but sadly dental care is the most common unmet health care need of the disabled people. AIM: The purpose of the study is to assess the oral health status and dental care utilization of people above 15 years with intellectual and physical disability in Chennai. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the dental caries experience, gingival status, prevalence of fluorosis and lesion, and dental service utilization among 132 intellectually and physically disabled people in Chennai. After obtaining the caregivers consent of the participants, oral health was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) proforma, 2013. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 23. RESULTS: When DMFT indexes were examined with regard to sex, the mean DMFT was found to be higher for males with 1.453 ± 1.847 whereas females have 1.403 ± 1.73, and mean DMFT was found to be more for the 26–35 years age group with 2.3 ± 2.01. 81.8% of the population had no gingival bleeding whereas only 18.18% had gingival bleeding. CONCLUSION: With the obtained results, people with physical disability have a high mean DMFT compared with intellectual disability. The present study showed dental negligence among mentally disabled population where the parents, caretakers, and dentists are responsible.