Dental problems among hearing-impaired children: Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital in eastern India

Abstract

Aim of the study: To evaluate the prevalence of dental problems in hearing-impaired children at a tertiary care teaching hospital in eastern India. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on 152 children of dental caries status in the age range 5 to 16 years. The children in this study were divided into group I (5-9 years), group II (10-12 years) and group III (13-16 years). Oral health and treatment were documented using methods and standards following WHO oral health surveys 1997. Dental caries prevalence, gingivitis level, plaque levels, and treatment requirement were recorded and analysed. Results: Out of 152 hearing impaired children, 69 (45.39%) were suffering with dental caries, 36 (23.68%) with plaque, and 24 (15.78%) with gingivitis. The oro-dental hygiene of hearing-impaired children, classified according to the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), revealed 31% had fair oral hygiene, 26% good hygiene, and 42% poor oral hygiene. The mean number of decayed teeth was 3.2 ±2.1, the mean number of missing teeth was 0.9 ±1.2, and mean number of filled teeth was 0.4 ±1.2, in which about 89.4% had decayed teeth, 39% had missing teeth, and only 19% had filled teeth. Conclusions: The children suffering with hearing loss showed unsatisfactory dental health in relation to the status of dental caries.

Dental caries status in individuals with hearing difficulties: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The assessment of the risk of bias via New Castle Ottawa Scale for cross sectional studies revealed that all of the studies were reported to be of fair/good quality and were also included in the meta‐analysis. Of the 13 included studies, four studies exclusively assessed dental caries prevalence as their outcome 4,12–14 three exclusively reported dental caries experience 15–17 and six studies reported both dental caries and caries experience 8,9,18–21 …”

“…The maintenance of oral care in hearing impaired children is always challenging and the oral care is most often unattended among the hearing impaired children 4 . Studies in the past have revealed that oral alterations compromise the overall health of individuals and impact their quality of life and well‐being, not only physically but also socially and psychologically 5–7 …”

“…The maintenance of oral care in hearing impaired children is always challenging and the oral care is most often unattended among the hearing impaired children. 4 Studies in the past have revealed that oral alterations compromise the overall health of individuals and impact their quality of life and well-being, not only physically but also socially and psychologically. [5][6][7] A number of studies have thus been conducted to assess the burden of oral diseases among the hearing impaired individuals which revealed dental caries as a predominant oral health condition found in this special group.…”

Dental Management of an Uncooperative Child with Hearing Impairment and Mutism Under General Anesthesia

“…Children with hearing impairments need specific consideration when it comes to oral health. Age, the level of hearing loss, and lifestyle variables can all influence dental problems for individuals with hearing disabilities [ 10 , 11 ]. It may be difficult to comprehend or accept responsibly following the preventive dental health routines by these children.…”

Oral Health Status of Hearing-Impaired Children – A cross-sectional study conducted in Karachi, Pakistan.

“…Existing research has consistently demonstrated that individuals with disabilities, including hearing impairment, are more susceptible to dental caries and periodontal conditions due to the challenges they face in maintaining good oral hygiene. (20,21) In this context, this study sought to shed light on the speci c oral health challenges faced by this population in the Karachi region.…”