Educational intervention on the plaque score among hearing impaired children

Abstract

Background: Oral health is an integral part of overall health of all children. The maintenance of oral health of hearing impaired children is a challenging problem; due to lack of communicative skills and access to dental care. There is a need to improve oral health of children with hearing impairment (CHI). The aim is to evaluate the impact of oral health education (OHE) intervention on the plaque scores among hearing impaired children. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 institutionalized CHI aged range 5-17 years were selected for this study. Oral hygiene status was assessed using Turesky-GilmoreGlickman modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index, dentition status along with decayed, missing, filled, surfaces were recorded. OHE along with the proper tooth brushing technique was demonstrated using a tooth model and a brush. Oral hygiene status was reassessed after 21 days and the data obtained were analyzed. Results: A paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance was used to test the difference between the groups. In all the above tests, P < 0.05 was accepted as indicating statistical significance. A significant reduction in the plaque scores was seen in all the primary (0.323), mixed (0.231) and permanent dentition of children (0.200), with the plaque score reduction being more in the permanent dentition (P < 0.001). Conclusion: OHE was effective in reducing the plaque scores in hearing impaired children. Different modalities for constant motivation and reinforcement in maintaining a good oral hygiene methods should be evaluated in children with special health care needs.