The Impact of Gross Motor Function on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background. There is evidence that gross motor function impacts the health-related quality of life of young adults with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to assess gross motor function, oral health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and the relationship between them in young adults with cerebral palsy. Methods. The sample comprised 46 individuals aged between 13 and 17 years with Gross Motor Function Classification Scores (GMFCS) ranging from level I to level III. The individuals and their parents were administered an Arabic version of the child perception questionnaire for adolescents. Parental and child perception scores, DMFT, and gingival index were compared across GMFCS levels using the one-way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc test. Results. Children with level III GMFCS had a significantly higher child perception score (CPQ) and parental perception score (PPQ) than those with level I or level II scores. There was a significant association between function (GMFCS) and the CPQ score in children (p=0.016). No significant associations were found between the CPQ score and either dental caries (DMFT) or gingival bleeding (GI) scores. Children with GMFCS level III had a significantly higher DMFT (p=0.002) and GI (p=0.001) scores. Conclusion. Motor function has a significant impact on both the oral health and the OHRQoL of adolescents and young adults with spastic cerebral palsy.

A scoping review of oral health outcomes for people with cerebral palsy

“…It is reported that children with cerebral palsy have a poor oral health related quality of life compared to children without cerebral palsy 48,49,68,69 . Motor function of children with cerebral palsy is reported to play a significant role for both oral health related quality of life and overall oral health in adolescents and young adults 70 . Dental caries and bruxism have been shown to have a negative impact on oral health related quality of life among children and adolescents with cerebral palsy 10,29 and negative impacts in regard to conditions such as the severity of dental caries, level of communication and family income 71 .…”

Dental procedures cause stress in children with cerebral palsy?

“…It is recognized that children with CP have a high rate of dental treatment needs ( 3 , 4 ). Considering the exponential demand for dental care in this population ( 14 ), it is necessary to understand the level of stress experienced during clinical procedures.…”

“…It is considered the most common cause of physical disability in childhood ( 2 ). Children with CP require special medical and dental care because caries, periodontal diseases and malocclusions are relatively frequent ( 3 - 5 ), caused by difficulties in oral hygiene, dietary consistency, drugs, misinformation and limited access to dental services ( 6 ). Dental procedures usually are laborious due to the involuntary movements, constant spasms, marked stiffness and communication difficulties ( 2 , 7 ).…”

“…Dental procedures usually are laborious due to the involuntary movements, constant spasms, marked stiffness and communication difficulties ( 2 , 7 ). In this line of reasoning, it is ineviTable that children with CP will require potentially anxiety- and stress-provoking dental interventions ( 3 ). However, there are few studies on this topic for this group of patients ( 8 ).…”

Periodontal Diseases and Dental Caries in Children With Cerebral Palsy

“…Dos Santos et al reported a higher prevalence of tooth decay in children with CP than in other diseases [9]. In another study, oral health-related quality of life decreased with increasing gross motor function, which seems to highlight the role of gross motor function in oral health in children with CP [10].…”