Oral hygiene in 12-year-old disabled children in Flanders, Belgium, related to manual dexterity

As part of a larger epidemiological survey of a stratified sample of 12-yea r-old handicapped children in Flanders, Belgium, the present study describe s gingival health, gingival hypertrophy, oral cleanliness and the presence of calculus. Statistical analysis was performed with motor skills, brushing help, the use of chemical agents, the use of anti-epilectic drugs, the kno wledge of parents and educators (or caregivers) and their opinion of the or al hygiene of their children/pupils as response variables. From this study, it became clear that mildly mentally retarded and learning-impaired childr en had significantly better manual dexterity skills than moderately and sev erely mentally retarded and physically impaired children. However, this was not reflected in improved oral hygiene. The use of chemical plaque control ling agents was found to be extremely low and, with the exception of childr en with gingival hyperplasia, the users of these agents did not have better oral hygiene. No difference was found between subtypes in the opinion of p arents and educators on oral status. There was, however, a difference betwe en their assessment and the clinical picture. It was concluded that there w as a need for in-service training programmes in oral health care for educat ors as well as for parents.