Abstract
The aim of this study was to understand the meanings and oral health practices of ten mothers of disabled children between the ages of zero and three years. The qualitative method was used. The data was collected by means of a semi-structured interview and were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the Thematic Content Analysis. Regarding to the oral health care of the mothers, three reported difficult and traumatising experiences and three did not have much contact with dentists during their childhood. Regarding to the children, the age of their first visit to the dentist varied from three months to two years and six months, and the reason for this appointment for seven children was referral by their doctor or by the Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional. Seven mothers reported that they brushed the teeth of their children at least twice a day and only two cited the importance of regular dental appointments. For two mothers, the meaning of oral health was to have a perfect smile and for four others, maintain oral hygiene. Half of the mothers related oral health to general health. All reported that dental caries is related to diet and lack of care regarding to oral hygiene. It was possible to conclude that for this group of mothers, oral health has an important meaning and that oral health practices are based on a healthy diet and brushing. Although mothers of disabled children have presented positive attitudes, in general, the results indicated limited knowledge about oral health. The results showed the importance of considering the point of view of the mothers as data of analysis bringing greater proximity with the reality studied. More qualitative studies should be conducted in order to collaborate with the improvement of the oral condition of disabled children.
Highlights
The term used to refer to patients with special needs is “People with Disabilities”, which are those that have long-term impairments of a physical, mental, intellectual or sensorial nature, which in interaction with different obstacles, can impede their full and effective participation in society under equal conditions (ONU, 2006).Data from the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics show that 45.6 million people have some type of impairment, equating to 23.91% of the population of Brazil
Oral health has an important meaning to the studied group and the practices of oral health are based on a healthy diet and the performance of brushing
Mothers of disabled children have presented positive attitudes, in general, the observed results indicate limited knowledge about oral health. It is essential the establishment of educational interventions focused to parents, mainly mothers, of disabled children since the participation of parents can be crucial to the success of the prevention of dental caries
Summary
Data from the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics show that 45.6 million people have some type of impairment, equating to 23.91% of the population of Brazil. In the 0 to 14 age group, this number equates to 3.459.401 people (OLIVEIRA, 2012). Numerous studies have shown that disabled children suffer from a higher dental caries rate, when compared to the population in general The study by Gaçe, Kelmender and Fusha (2014) examined prevalence of dental caries and oral health condition in children and adolescents with varying disabilities between the ages of zero and 18 years. The results showed that the prevalence of dental caries in permanent dentition for all groups was of 85.3%, and 72.0% for primary dentition, demonstrating poor oral hygiene
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
