title: Evaluation of accumulation of calculus in tube-fed mentally handicapped patients.
abstract: A group of tube-fed, nonambulatory, and multihandicapped clients and a similar nontube-fed group were compared to determine the rate of calculus formation over 90 days. The findings indicate that calculus formation is significantly more rapid in the tube-fed group: the majority (71%) of this calculus was formed within the first 30 days; there was no significant difference in plaque formation between the two groups, and the oral hygiene level for both groups was poor. Further study is in progress to determine the impact of rapid buildup of calculus on oral health; any disadvantage caused the patient by frequent prophylaxis; and possible causes of the rapid onset of calculus formation.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors