Oral Health of Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the oral health conditions of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two groups were selected: a test group comprising 51 individuals with ADHD and a control group with 50 individuals without ADHD, with ages ranging from 7 to 14 years. Through an intraoral clinical examination, the numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index), the visible plaque index (VPI), the gingival bleeding index (GBI), bruxism, and dental traumatism were verified. A questionnaire confirmed oral hygiene supervision.

RESULTS

In the test group, the average DMFT index was 3.41 while it was 2.52 in the control group ( = 0.405). The VPI in the test and control groups was 36.84% and 24.54%, respectively ( = 0.004). The GBI was 8.37% for the test group and 4.94% for the control group ( = 0.012). The DMFT index when supervised the oral hygiene by those responsible in comparison with the nonsupervision was 1.89 and 4.31, respectively, in the test group, and 1.71 and 2.94, respectively, in the control group.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that children and adolescents with ADHD present with worse oral health conditions and need greater attention from dental professionals and those responsible for their diet and oral hygiene.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder needs a special attention. This research brings this important issue focus on oral health.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Begnini GJ, Brancher JA, Guimarães ATB, Oral Health of Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(6):543-547.