Evaluation of periodontal conditions and oral hygiene in school children with neuropsychomotor disorders

Introduction Caries and periodontal disease are problems frequently affecting patients with disabilities. Objective In this study we aim to evaluate the periodontal conditions and the oral hygiene in students with neuropsychomotor disorders enrolled in a rehabilitation center. Method Data collect was based in interview with the responsible and the scholar's clinical exam to register the plaque index and the bleeding index. After the clinical exam were performed professional prophylaxis, oral hygiene orientation and explanation of doubts. Result The sample consisted of 41 students with neuropsychomotor disabilities, with ages among 7 and 14 years, 20 females (48.8%) and 21 males (51.2%) with a mean age of 10.8 years. Most patients had the figure of the mother as primary caregiver (85%). It was observed that 71% of students need help in performing oral hygiene and nearly 40% of caregivers had difficulty doing it, in most of the cases because the patient "did not open his mouth". Almost the totality of the students doesn't use dental floss. It was also found that 87.2% had gingival bleeding and 84.7% had the plaque index greater or equal to 2. Conclusion It was concluded that disabled students included in this study had bad periodontal conditions and poor oral hygiene. It shows the need of preventive programs to guide themselves and the caregivers, seeking for effectiveness of oral hygiene.