Oral Health-related Quality of Life and Oral Hygiene of Children and Adolescents with Hearing Impairment

BACKGROUND: Hearing impairment affects communication and oral hygiene practices. AIM: To determine the effect of dental education and motivation on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and oral hygiene in children and adolescents with hearing impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety children aged 8–16 years were selected from a special school of hearing impaired. Their OHRQoL was assessed using child oral health impact profile short form (COHIP–SF) at baseline and at 12 months. Oral hygiene was assessed using Silness and Loe plaque index and Loe and Silness gingival index. Oral health education followed by motivational sessions once a month was carried out for 12 months. Data was statistically analyzed using student paired t-test and Karl Pearson correlation test. Level of significance was considered as 5%. RESULTS: COHIP score showed a significant improvement from 39.7 at baseline to 48.0 at 12 months (p < 0.05). A significant reduction was seen in plaque (p = 0.002) and gingival inflammation (p < 0.05) at 6 and 12 months. An inverse relation was seen between the COHIP score and gingival health. CONCLUSION: OHRQoL of children and adolescents with hearing impairment significantly improved from baseline to 12 months. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Manohar PS, Subramaniam P. Oral Health-related Quality of Life and Oral Hygiene of Children and Adolescents with Hearing Impairment. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):311-315.