Health of intraoral soft tissues in children with cerebral palsy and associated factors

Abstract

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement and posture disorder caused by damage to the immature brain. Oral health and functions are affected due to developmental disorders in the neuromuscular system of children with CP. The main ones are the hard and soft tissues in the mouth and chewing and swallowing functions.Objective The aim of our study is to determine the condition of the oral soft tissues and associated factors in children diagnosed with CP in the growth and development period and to lead studies to prevent possible problems.Methods Fifty-one children who receive service from Metin Sabancı units were included in the study. Diseases concomitant with CP, dietary habits, medications, and medical history forms, including the family status of the children were prepared. Physical examination of tonsillitis according to Brodsky Grading Scale, drooling with Balasco method, swallowing with clinical examination, gingival inflammation according to Modified Gingival Index (MGI) Classification, nutritional status and findings of reflux complaint were performed through face-toface interviews with parents.Results 62.7% of children with CP included in our study were boys and 37.3% were girls. The mean age of the children was 9.63 ± 2.40 years. Nutritional disorders were found in 45% of the children, mouth breathing in 57% and gastroesophageal reflux disease in 19%. The rate of children with CP with incorrect swallowing was 63% and the rate of those with drooling was 45%. A significant relationship was found between drooling and incorrect swallowing. 45% of the examined children with CP use medication due to the complaint of epilepsy. In 12% of children, the tonsillar tissue covers 50-75% of the airway patency. In 78% of the children, the MGI value was

Oral conditions of children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study

“…37 It is believed that there is a synergistic relationship between mouth breathing and a possible side effect of drugs, in addition to other factors such as inadequate oral hygiene. 38 Yet, the mechanisms by which congenital Zika infection affects gingival tissues remain unclear.…”