[Epidemiology and treatment need for caries and periodontal disease in handicapped children and youth].

Epidemiological studies in a group of handicapped subjects from the area of Lower Frankonia revealed a surprisingly good oral health. The WHO objective for caries control (DMF-T in 3 to 12 years olds) for the year 2000 has already been reached. In spite of low average values the individual values demonstrated a marked polarisation (30% of subjects of one birth year had approx. 70% of caries, missing, or filled tooth surfaces). The degree of treatment is clearly above that of the normal population. By comparison data are also favorable for the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis. Nevertheless one forth of the 10 to 13 year olds and half of those older than 14 will not only need an improvement of their oral hygiene but also scaling to treat their periodontal disease. Subjects with multiple handicaps are affected more strongly and need additional intensive preventive care.