THE ORAL HYGIENE AND GINGIVAL HEALTH OF PARAPLEGIC INPATIENTS - A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Physical and/or mental handicaps are known to directly or indirectly c ompromise hygiene habits including oral hygiene. It is recommended tha t handicapped patients, their parents or care workers require from an early stage dental health education and active involvement in preventi ve programmes. This study surveyed the oral hygiene of paraplegic pati ents in a specialised centre to determine their oral hygiene needs. Mo st patients had moderate to poor oral hygiene and gingivitis was preva lent and severe, Plaque and gingivitis was increased in quadriplegic c ompared to hemiplegic patients. The data indicate that as part of reha bilitation of paraplegic patients there is a need for oral hygiene pro grammes to be established.