Orodental Hygiene in Children With Special Needs

Evaluation of Oral and Dental Hygiene in Individuals With Special Needs Between 6 to 12 Years of Age

This clinical trial aims to learn about the general oral hygiene status of children with special needs and test the effect of hygiene education on their oral and dental hygiene. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• What is the general oral hygiene status of children with special needs?
• Does brushing education and dietary guidance to parents improve oral and dental hygiene in children with special needs? Participants will receive a complete oral and dental examination. Following this examination parents/legal guardians will be educated about the maintenance of oral and dental hygiene and dietary guidance will be provided. Patients will be evaluated one year after the education

One hundred and thirty children with special needs who are being rehabilitated at three rehabilitation centers (Maviel, Sirinler and Ugurlu Kalpler Rehabilitation Centers) in Kilis will undergo a complete oral and dental examination at which their oral bacteria (str. mutans) levels, PUFA and plaque indexes (indices that measure oral health) will be recorded. The parents/legal guardians of the children will be educated about dental hygiene toothbrushing and dietary habits leading to caries. After a year, the examination and assessments will be repeated. The change in oral hygiene indices will be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children with special needs
• Aged between 6-12 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal
• Being unable to complete oral examination due to lack of cooperation