Caries Experiences in Cerebral Palsy Individuals with Oralmotor Dysfunction

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the caries experience in individuals with cerebral palsy with oromotor dysfunction. Methods: The clinical trial involved a group of 108 noninstitutionalized subjects, with a medical diagnosis of cerebral palsy, aged 4 to 19y, mean 10y 1mo [±SD 4y 5mo]. The Orofacial Motor Function Assessment Scale was used to evaluate oromotor function and caries prevalence was also assessed. The results were statistically analyzed using the Chi square, Fisher exact, Kruskall-Wallis, Dunn and Bonferroni tests. Results: Among 108 individuals, 38 were severely orofacial motor impaired, 22 moderately, 30 slightly and 18 very slightly orofacial motor impaired. Regarding oromotor function and age, a significant difference (p=0.007) was observed showing the youngest individuals as the most severely compromised. A significant statistical difference regarding diet consistency and DMF index was observed among the groups (p=0.0352). The severely compromised individuals presented higher DMF index values (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dental caries is a complex, multifactorial disease process dependent on the presence of oral bacteria, a fermentable carbohydrate substrate and host enamel. The degree of impairments of the oromotor dysfunction appears to be insufficient to be responsible to the caries process.