Evaluation of oral diseases in a population of special needs patients

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the oral health status of a population of patients with special needs cared for in the specialization course of the Brazilian Association of Dentistry, Ceará Branch. Methods In this cross-sectional, descriptive study the indexes DMFT and CPI were used to evaluate dental caries and periodontal disease, respectively, from August 2009 through March 2010. The need for dental treatment and other soft tissue lesions were also investigated. Results 88 patients selected by convenience sampling were examined intraorally, and the mean age was 43.8 ± 16. Most of the patients fell within the group of systemic diseases (68.1%), especially cardiovascular diseases (15.9%). The mean DMFT index was 17.54 ± 7.13, and 87.5% of patients presented active dental caries. According to the highest degree of periodontal condition observed in the individual, the dental tartar (index 2) was present in a greater number of patients (50.9%). Regarding the need for dental treatment, 68.1% of patients needed restorative treatment, 43.1% of patients needed surgery (extractions) and 21.5% of patients needed endodontic treatment. There were no soft-tissue abnormalities in most patients (89.7%). Conclusion The examined patients showed a high prevalence of oral diseases such as dental caries and gingivitis/periodontitis, and therefore a great need for dental treatment. Given the results, it becomes important to stimulate dental care and preventive practices focused on this segment of the population.