Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status in Children With Specific Learning Disabilities

Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status in Children With Specific Learning Disabilities

This study aims to evaluate dental caries and oral hygiene status in children aged 7-12 years with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and to compare the findings with healthy children. Clinical oral examinations, including dmft/DMFT, ICDAS II, Plaque Index, and Gingival Index assessments, will be performed. In addition, questionnaire-based evaluations of oral hygiene habits, dietary habits, and parental supervision during toothbrushing will be conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 7-12 years
• For the study group: diagnosis of specific learning disorder (SLD) confirmed by a psychiatrist
• For the control group: confirmed healthy with no psychiatric diagnosis by a psychiatrist
• Written informed consent obtained from the parent or guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with additional psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability)
• Children with systemic disease or physical disability that may prevent participation in the study