Caries experience and oral hygiene status of children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The study was conducted to determine the caries experience and oral hygiene status of children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and was compared with that of non-ADHD children.


METHODS
A total of 80 children, including 40 ADHD and 40 non-ADHD children were included in the study. A visual dental examination for dental caries was performed and oral hygiene status of these children was determined. The parent/guardian completed a questionnaire concerning the child's behavior followed by questionnaire to the child regarding oral hygiene practices and food habits.


RESULTS
Student-t test and chi-square test showed that children with ADHD had significantly higher defs score, mean plaque score in compared to that of non-ADHD children. Statistical significant differences were also found out in relation with frequency of tooth brushing and consumption of sugary food among the children suffering from ADHD.


CONCLUSIONS
Caries prevalence in the primary dentition is increased in the children suffering from ADHD due to poor oral hygiene and increased consumption of sugary foods.
Chandra
Prakash
P
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, M S Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India.
Anandakrishna
Latha
L
Ray
Prayas
P
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000209:etiology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004037:Diet, Cariogenic; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000009:adverse effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D019422:Dietary Sucrose