The effect of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on children brushing habits, plaque index, and caries indices in children

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on children's caries indices, plaque scores, and brushing habits in children aged 5-17 years.

Methodology: A total of 100 children (39 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 61 healthy children) were included in the study. The plaque index, decay-missed-filled primary tooth (dmf-t) index, and decay-missed-filled permanent tooth (DMF-T) index values were evaluated by clinical examination. The plaque was evaluated using the Silness and Loe Plaque Index. Patient forms were examined to evaluate brushing habits.

Results: When the survey data was examined, the number of healthy children who brushed their teeth was higher than that of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (p<0.05). The dental visit and dental treatment rates were similar in both groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of plaque index and dmf-t and DMF-T scores (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were observed to neglect oral care routines more than their healthy counterparts; however, this did not affect plaque and caries index values.

How to cite this article: Kuter B, Kanmaz B. The effect of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on children brushing habits, plaque index and caries indices in children. Int Dent Res 2021;11(2):109-13. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.no1.8

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.