Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Impact of parental care on oral health of children with Intellectual Disabilities from zero to six years of age

Impacto dos cuidados parentais na saúde bucal de crianças com Deficiência Intelectual de zero a seis anos de idade

Abstract

Introduction

the birth of a child with an intellectual disability requires the definition of the parents' roles in relation to the care of the child.

Objective

evaluate how much parental care practices, sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and family knowledge can have an impact on the oral health of children with intellectual disabilities in the age group from zero to six years of age.

Material and method

the level of help given to the child in the practice of oral hygiene was evaluated according to the adapted functional independence scale. The Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale assessed primary care and stimulation offered to the child. The presence of dental plaque and the decay-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index were analyzed. The significance level was 5%.

Result

the relative percentage of dental plaque was 11.4%. The DMFT was 2. The prevalence of teeth with indicated extraction is higher in children who receive full assistance for cleaning, when compared to those who receive maximum, moderate help or supervision. Higher levels of dental plaque and decayed teeth were found in children whose parents rated their dental health as poor, hygiene as deficient, and when they believed their children might feel discomfort due to their oral health. Low stimulation frequency resulted in a higher plaque index and number of decayed teeth.

Conclusion

the frequency of parental care stimulation influenced the percentage of plaque index and the number of decayed teeth in children with intellectual disabilities.

Descriptors:
Dental care for people with disabilities; intellectual disability; parental care

Resumo

Introdução

o nascimento de uma criança com deficiência intelectual exige dos pais a definição de suas funções em relação aos cuidados com a criança.

Objetivo

investigar o quanto as práticas de cuidados parentais, características sociodemográficas, comportamentais e o conhecimento familiar podem ter impacto na saúde bucal de crianças com deficiência intelectual na faixa etária de zero a seis anos de idade.

Material e método

foi avaliado o nível de ajuda cedida à criança na prática de higiene bucal de acordo com a escala de independência funcional adaptada. A Escala de Crenças Parentais e Práticas de Cuidado avaliou os cuidados primários e a estimulação oferecida à criança. Foram analisados a presença de placa dentária e o índice ceo-d. O nível de significância foi de 5%.

Resultado

a porcentagem relativa de placa dentária foi de 11,4%. O índice ceo-d foi de 2. A prevalência de dentes com extração indicada é maior em crianças que recebem ajuda total para higienização, quando comparadas as que recebem ajuda máxima, moderada ou supervisão. Níveis mais elevados de placa dentária e dentes cariados foram encontrados nas crianças cujos pais avaliaram a saúde dental como ruim, a higiene como deficiente e quando acreditavam que os filhos podem sentir desconforto em razão de seu estado de saúde bucal. Baixa frequência de estimulação resultou em maior índice de placa e número de dentes cariados.

Conclusão

a frequência de estimulação dos cuidados parentais influenciou na porcentagem do índice de placa e no número de dentes cariados nas crianças com deficiência intelectual.

Descritores:
Assistência odontológica para pessoas com deficiências; deficiência intelectual; cuidados parentais

INTRODUCTION

Intellectual Disability (ID) is diagnosed when the individual does not reach the expected developmental indicators in areas of intellectual functioning11 Jeste PDV, Lieberman P-EJA, Fassler TD, Peele SR, Akaka J, Bernstein CA, et al. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed; 2014.. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ID is characterized by deficits in abilities such as reasoning, problem solving, planning, academic learning and experience11 Jeste PDV, Lieberman P-EJA, Fassler TD, Peele SR, Akaka J, Bernstein CA, et al. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed; 2014.. Consequently, difficulties in adaptive functioning occur, and the individual does not reach values of personal independence and social responsibility11 Jeste PDV, Lieberman P-EJA, Fassler TD, Peele SR, Akaka J, Bernstein CA, et al. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed; 2014..

The birth of a child makes changes in the routine of its caregivers and in the established relationships, requiring a process of adaptation from the family. In families composed of children with ID, there is a need to deal emotionally with the medical diagnosis adaptations and many alterations in routine habits22 Aguirre-González G, Ávila-Rojas P, García-Flores R, Ruiz-Rodríguez S, Pozos-Guillén A, Garrocho-Rangel A. Inclusive dentistry: integral management of pediatric patients with intellectual disability and/or communication impairments. Case-series reports. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2020 Aug;44(4):221-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.17796/1053-4625-44.4.2. PMid:33167023.
http://dx.doi.org/10.17796/1053-4625-44....
. However, its severity levels can only be evaluated after early childhood, when it is possible to measure abilities through intelligence tests11 Jeste PDV, Lieberman P-EJA, Fassler TD, Peele SR, Akaka J, Bernstein CA, et al. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed; 2014..

The diagnosis of ID can generate strong family crises and provoke negative feelings in the expectations and idealizations surrounding the arrival of a child33 Pedro MFP, Rodrigues OMPR. Disabled mother-infant interaction: a review study. Rev Educate UFSM Spec. 2019;32:1-27.. In addition, child with ID changes plans, increases the responsibilities, and need for support from those responsible, and the requirement to define roles of care44 Martins GDF, Macarini SM, Vieira ML, Seidl-de-Moura ML, Bussab VSR, Cruz RM. Construction and validation of the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC) in early childhood. Psycho-USF. 2010;15:23-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010...
. This care named in the literature as parental care refers to the relationship between parents and children involving needs such as caring, educating for provides development to their children44 Martins GDF, Macarini SM, Vieira ML, Seidl-de-Moura ML, Bussab VSR, Cruz RM. Construction and validation of the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC) in early childhood. Psycho-USF. 2010;15:23-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010...
.

Recently, there has been an increase in research related to parental care and its repercussions on child development55 Minetto MF, Löhr SS. Beliefs and educational practices of mothers of children with atypical development. Educate Rev. 2016 Jan-Mar;59:49-64. https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-4060.44791.
https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-4060.44791...
. Studies on this topic point to an increase in caregivers' stress, resulting in changes to family functioning66 Macarini SM, Martins GDF, Minetto M FJ, Vieira ML. Parental practices: a review of the Brazilian literature. Arq Bras Psicol. 2010;62(1):119-34.. Mothers of children with ID prioritize the primary care related to hygiene, clothing and food55 Minetto MF, Löhr SS. Beliefs and educational practices of mothers of children with atypical development. Educate Rev. 2016 Jan-Mar;59:49-64. https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-4060.44791.
https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-4060.44791...
,66 Macarini SM, Martins GDF, Minetto M FJ, Vieira ML. Parental practices: a review of the Brazilian literature. Arq Bras Psicol. 2010;62(1):119-34.. Thus, we emphasize the need of studies about parental care in families with children with ID.

Oral health is an integral and complementary part of an individual's general health, as well as quality of life at any stage of his life77 Waldron C, Nunn J, Phadraig CMG, Comiskey C, Guerin S, van Harten MT, et al. Oral hygiene interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 May;5(5):CD012628. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012628.pub2. PMid:31149734.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012...
. Several components of oral health are crucial to maintain a child's physical, mental health and well-being88 Eijsink AM, Schipper G, Vermaire JH. A Q-methodology study among caregivers of people with moderate intellectual disabilities on their clients’ health care: an example in oral health. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2018 Sep;31(5):915-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12451. PMid:29635847.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12451...
. In this context, clinical studies showed elevated bacterial plaque, caries, periodontal diseases and worse rates of oral hygiene in children with ID77 Waldron C, Nunn J, Phadraig CMG, Comiskey C, Guerin S, van Harten MT, et al. Oral hygiene interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 May;5(5):CD012628. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012628.pub2. PMid:31149734.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012...
,88 Eijsink AM, Schipper G, Vermaire JH. A Q-methodology study among caregivers of people with moderate intellectual disabilities on their clients’ health care: an example in oral health. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2018 Sep;31(5):915-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12451. PMid:29635847.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12451...
.

Multiple factors can contribute to a higher risk of developing oral diseases in children with ID99 Zhou N, Wong HM, Wen YF, McGrath C. Oral health status of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2017 Oct;59(10):1019-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13486. PMid:28627071.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13486...
. These factors include cognitive impairment, insufficient manual skill, incoordination, behavioral limitations, use of medication, pasty food and inadequate chewing and swallowing, with consequent accumulation of food in the oral cavity99 Zhou N, Wong HM, Wen YF, McGrath C. Oral health status of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2017 Oct;59(10):1019-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13486. PMid:28627071.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13486...
,1010 Pradhan A, Zachar JJ, Zafar S. Oral health conditions and treatment needs of children with intellectual disabilities attending special olympics Australia. J Dent Child. 2021 Jan;88(1):23-8. PMid:33875048.. Moreover, the dependence of caregivers add to their lack of motivation and comprehension for oral hygiene can contribute to many oral diseases1111 Liu HY, Chen JR, Hsiao SY, Huang ST. Caregivers’ oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior toward their children with disabilities. J Dent Sci. 2017 Dec;12(4):388-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2017.05.003. PMid:30895080.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2017.05....
.

Children's oral health habits originate mainly from family, thus the relationship between caregiver and child can be a positive or negative influence1111 Liu HY, Chen JR, Hsiao SY, Huang ST. Caregivers’ oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior toward their children with disabilities. J Dent Sci. 2017 Dec;12(4):388-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2017.05.003. PMid:30895080.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2017.05....
. An adequate assistance from the caregiver to carry out a well method of controlling bacterial plaque in people with ID can significantly contribute to the quality of oral hygiene. Therefore, parental care plays a fundamental and decisive role in promoting effective oral health habits99 Zhou N, Wong HM, Wen YF, McGrath C. Oral health status of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2017 Oct;59(10):1019-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13486. PMid:28627071.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13486...
,1111 Liu HY, Chen JR, Hsiao SY, Huang ST. Caregivers’ oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior toward their children with disabilities. J Dent Sci. 2017 Dec;12(4):388-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2017.05.003. PMid:30895080.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2017.05....
.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Ethics committee and sample selection

This is an observational cross-sectional study with a convenience sample following the rules of the STROBE Statement1212 von Elm E, Altman DG, Egger M, Pocock SJ, Gøtzsche PC, Vandenbroucke JP. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement: guidelines for reporting observational studies. J Clin Epidemiol. 2008 Apr;61(4):344-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2007.11.008. PMid:18313558.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.200...
. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry of Araçatuba, UNESP (CAAE 49113021.5.0000.5420).

We studied 73 children from 0 to 6 years of age diagnosed with ID who attended the Baby Clinic of the Dental Assistance Center for Persons with Disabilities (CAOE - Centro de Assistência Odontológica à Pessoa com Deficiência) and their caregivers from August 2021 to April 2022. Those responsible were individually informed about the nature of the study and when they agreed to participate, they signed an informed consent form.

The individuals included in the study had the following inclusion criteria: Patients diagnosed with ID; patients with no need for sedation or restraint for examination; patients aged > 0 and ≤ 6 years; patients of both sexes.

Exclusion criteria were: Parents who did not authorize participation; caregivers with diagnosed psychiatric illness; edentulous patients; patients on an enteral or parenteral diet; institutionalized patients.

Data collect

Personal, sociodemographic and oral questionnaire

Questionnaire1313 Nuernberg MAA, Ivanaga CA, Haas AN, Aranega AM, Casarin RCV, Caminaga RMS, et al. Periodontal status of individuals with Down syndrome: sociodemographic, behavioral and family perception influence. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2019 Oct;63(10):1181-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629. PMid:31062454.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629...
addressed questions about the child's identification, gender, age, address and whether they have other diseases associated with ID. Subsequently, through the account of the responsible, the level of help that the child receives in the practice of oral hygiene was evaluated according to the adapted functional independence scale1414 Riberto M, Miyazaki MH, Jucá SSH, Sakamoto H, Pinto PPN, Battistella LR. Validação da versão brasileira da medida de independência funcional. Acta Fisiátr. 2004;11(2):72-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/0104-7795.20040003.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/0104-7795.2004...
.

Additionally, based on a previous study1313 Nuernberg MAA, Ivanaga CA, Haas AN, Aranega AM, Casarin RCV, Caminaga RMS, et al. Periodontal status of individuals with Down syndrome: sociodemographic, behavioral and family perception influence. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2019 Oct;63(10):1181-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629. PMid:31062454.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629...
, an attempt was made to analyze the oral hygiene practices of children with questions associated with the frequency of daily brushing, dental floss and type of brush used, based on the parent's report. The caregiver's knowledge and understanding of children's oral health was also analyzed, through perception questions about oral hygiene and its relationship with general health, and the perception of any problem or discomfort in the mouth.

Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC)

Relevant research44 Martins GDF, Macarini SM, Vieira ML, Seidl-de-Moura ML, Bussab VSR, Cruz RM. Construction and validation of the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC) in early childhood. Psycho-USF. 2010;15:23-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010...
built and validated a scale of the frequency and relevance attributed to two sets of care practices for children aged 0 to 6 years. One set concerns “primary care” practices and other concerns “stimulation” practices.

Behaviors related to primary care are: helping when crying; feed; keep clean; see to it that he sleeps and rests; don't let it get cold or hot; carry on the lap; always have them around; try to avoid any accident. The ones related to stimulation are: leaving free to run; swim; climb; do physical activities; play games; hanging toys in the crib; read small books together; show interesting things; explain things; listen to what they have to say; answer questions; face to face, eye to eye contact44 Martins GDF, Macarini SM, Vieira ML, Seidl-de-Moura ML, Bussab VSR, Cruz RM. Construction and validation of the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC) in early childhood. Psycho-USF. 2010;15:23-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010...
,1515 Rodrigues OMPR, Campos BC, Martins JM, Padovan FHP. Maternal practices and beliefs about primary care and stimulation of preterm and term babies. Mudanças. 2019 Dez;27(2):1-7..

Thus, we have four different scores: First two from the primary care are frequency of performance and degree of importance. The second two from stimulation are frequency of performance and degree of importance44 Martins GDF, Macarini SM, Vieira ML, Seidl-de-Moura ML, Bussab VSR, Cruz RM. Construction and validation of the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC) in early childhood. Psycho-USF. 2010;15:23-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010...
,1515 Rodrigues OMPR, Campos BC, Martins JM, Padovan FHP. Maternal practices and beliefs about primary care and stimulation of preterm and term babies. Mudanças. 2019 Dez;27(2):1-7..

For data analysis, variables were grouped according to a previous study methodology1 1 Gomes JAM. Maternal perception of bond, beliefs and practices in situations of social vulnerability [dissertation]. Fortaleza: Universidade Federal do Ceará; 2018. : a) Primary care: 32-34 points: below average; 35-37 points: average; 38-40 points: above average. b) Stimulation: 20-29 points: below average; 30-39 points: average; 40-50 points: above average.

Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and Decay-Missing-Filled (DMFT) index

As a clinical parameter for oral hygiene, VPI and DMFT indexes of all children in the study sample were evaluated. The evaluation was performed in the dental office of the CAOE and performed by two calibrated examiners obtaining a Kappa index of 0.90. They were performed with the aid of a number 5 mirror and WHO probe.

In the VPI, the presence of visible plaque was evaluated, determined by presence (+) or absence (-) in six teeth (first molars, maxillary central incisors, mandibular central incisors) in six locations per tooth (mesium-buccal, buccal, distobuccal, distolingual, midlingual and mesiolingual) totaling 36 sites1616 Klein H, Palmer CE. Dental caries in American Indian children. Public Health Bulletin. 1937;239:1-53..

The DMFT index was performed on all teeth present, precisely observing the crown of each tooth. Its classification is according to the degree of severity: very low (average 0.0 to 1.1); low (mean 1.2 to 2.6); moderate (mean 2.7 to 4.4); high (mean 4.5 to 6.5); very high (mean 6.6 or more)1616 Klein H, Palmer CE. Dental caries in American Indian children. Public Health Bulletin. 1937;239:1-53..

Statistical analysis

Simple Logistic Regression Model was performed for the outcomes: VPI, number of decayed teeth, filled teeth and with indicated extraction. The independent variables included in the analysis were sociodemographic factors (Age, sex and parental education) and behavioral factors (Degree of dependence, oral hygiene and dental floss).

Outcomes were compared to parents' knowledge of oral health using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Correlations between E-CPPC scale and outcomes were performed using the Spearman test. Data are described by frequency distribution and means with standard deviations (SD).

Statistical analysis was performed using the JAMOVI 2.2.5 program (Sydney, Australia). The individual was the unit of analysis. The significance level was set at 5%. All values were tested for normality (Shapiro-Wilk test).

RESULTS

A total of 94 ID patients and their responsible agreed to participate in the study. Of these, 18 could not receive dental evaluation due to the enteral diet. Seventy-five children were eligible considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria; however, two patients were later excluded due to lack of cooperation in the clinical exam.

A total of 73 children (27 girls and 46 boys) aged between 0 and 6 years (mean age 2.25 ± 4.75 years) were included in the study. Thirty-five children had visible plaque, the relative percentage being 11.4%. All patients had some disease, syndrome or developmental change. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down Syndrome were the most common, affecting 37 patients (50.7%) and 13 patients (17.8%) respectively.

Patients aged 0-3 years had higher VPI compared to patients aged >3-6 years, 13.4% and 10% respectively (Table 1; p =0.03). Children with Down Syndrome had a higher VPI and number of decayed teeth (Table 1; p =0.01; p =0.02).

Table 1
Distribution of VPI, decayed, filled teeth and indicated extraction

Children who received full help to perform oral hygiene were more likely to have teeth with extraction indicated compared to those who received moderate help or supervision (Table 1; p = 0.007). Gender, parental education level and use of dental floss were not related to outcomes. None of the variables were associated with the number of filled teeth.

The VPI and the number of decayed teeth were significantly higher when parents indicated the health of the teeth as poor, oral hygiene as deficient, and when parents believed that their children might experience some type of discomfort due to their oral health condition (Table 2). None of the variables related to parental knowledge were associated with filled teeth and with indicated extraction.

Table 2
Knowledge about oral health and oral health status reported by parents

The DMFT of this sample population is 2, being classified as low. However, considering the age group studied, this number is significant, since it shows 2 teeth affected by caries in each child. We found 77 decayed teeth, 11 filled and 62 with indicated extraction.

E-CPPC scale had an inversely proportional correlation (r= -0.302) between stimulation frequency and VPI (Table 3). This means above-average scores in children with lower VPI and below-average scores with higher VPI. The same correlation (r=-0.321) was observed in the stimulation frequency and number of decayed teeth (Table 4).

Table 3
Correlation of parental care and VPI
Table 4
Correlation of parental care and decayed teeth

Frequency and importance of primary care could not be statistically correlated with the variables of oral condition. However, in the descriptive analysis most parents obtained points above average for these two scores, n=44 and n=45, respectively (Tables 3-4).

DISCUSSION

The present study evaluated the VPI and the DMFT indexes of patients with ID who were under dental care at the CAOE Baby Clinic and how sociodemographic factors, parents' perception of oral condition and parental care practices can influence your children's oral health. Although parents were aware of their children's oral condition and had above average scores for the frequency and importance of parental care, inefficient control of dental plaque, decayed teeth and with indicated extraction were the main findings.

Most parents reported total support during oral hygiene of their children (87.7%). A similar proportion have been found in a previous study, where more than half of the caregivers (60.44%) also performed the toothbrushing on their children with ID1717 Hassona Y, Aljafari A, Atef A, Abdalfattah L, Hosey MT. Failure on all fronts: qualitative analysis of the oral health care experience in individuals with intellectual disability. Spec Care Dentist. 2021 Mar;41(2):235-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550. PMid:33264435.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550...
. Paradoxically, our results showed greater chance of having teeth with extraction indicated by caries in children whose cleaning is performed with full help. This data evidenced parents´ lack of knowledge, management, and techniques to effectively control the formation of dental plaque. Corroborating this work, other studies have shown unsatisfactory caregivers' attitude towards the oral health of patients with ID1717 Hassona Y, Aljafari A, Atef A, Abdalfattah L, Hosey MT. Failure on all fronts: qualitative analysis of the oral health care experience in individuals with intellectual disability. Spec Care Dentist. 2021 Mar;41(2):235-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550. PMid:33264435.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550...
,1818 Duker LIS, Richter M, Lane CJ, Polido JC, Cermak SA. Oral care experiences and challenges for children with down syndrome: reports from caregivers. Pediatr Dent. 2020 Nov;42(6):430-5. PMid:33369553.. Also, they highlighted the parents' difficulty for tooth brushing routine, due to the children's cooperation1717 Hassona Y, Aljafari A, Atef A, Abdalfattah L, Hosey MT. Failure on all fronts: qualitative analysis of the oral health care experience in individuals with intellectual disability. Spec Care Dentist. 2021 Mar;41(2):235-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550. PMid:33264435.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550...
,1818 Duker LIS, Richter M, Lane CJ, Polido JC, Cermak SA. Oral care experiences and challenges for children with down syndrome: reports from caregivers. Pediatr Dent. 2020 Nov;42(6):430-5. PMid:33369553..

Stimulation with toys in the caregiver-child interaction aims to link the child to the world of objects and physical environment in general44 Martins GDF, Macarini SM, Vieira ML, Seidl-de-Moura ML, Bussab VSR, Cruz RM. Construction and validation of the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC) in early childhood. Psycho-USF. 2010;15:23-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010...
. The aim is to promote cognitive development, as well as make the child more independent from social relationships66 Macarini SM, Martins GDF, Minetto M FJ, Vieira ML. Parental practices: a review of the Brazilian literature. Arq Bras Psicol. 2010;62(1):119-34.. Possibly, the correlation of below-average scores for stimulation frequency with high VPI and number of decayed teeth may be related to the fact that children in this group are more dependent to perform brushing. Since for this practice, there is a need to develop skills with objects such as brush, dental floss and toothpaste44 Martins GDF, Macarini SM, Vieira ML, Seidl-de-Moura ML, Bussab VSR, Cruz RM. Construction and validation of the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC) in early childhood. Psycho-USF. 2010;15:23-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010...
,66 Macarini SM, Martins GDF, Minetto M FJ, Vieira ML. Parental practices: a review of the Brazilian literature. Arq Bras Psicol. 2010;62(1):119-34.,1818 Duker LIS, Richter M, Lane CJ, Polido JC, Cermak SA. Oral care experiences and challenges for children with down syndrome: reports from caregivers. Pediatr Dent. 2020 Nov;42(6):430-5. PMid:33369553..

The association of the diagnosis of Down Syndrome with the visible plaque index, identified in our study, highlights the importance of oral hygiene in this group of patients. Notably, Down Syndrome patients have an altered inflammatory response in the presence of plaque, making them more susceptible to the development of periodontal disease1313 Nuernberg MAA, Ivanaga CA, Haas AN, Aranega AM, Casarin RCV, Caminaga RMS, et al. Periodontal status of individuals with Down syndrome: sociodemographic, behavioral and family perception influence. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2019 Oct;63(10):1181-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629. PMid:31062454.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629...
. Moreover, in the presence of dental plaque and decayed teeth, the parents rated the health of the teeth as poor, oral hygiene as deficient and stated that the child could feel some discomfort as a result of the oral condition. The findings of our study suggest a good perception of their children's oral condition, although this factor was not enough to maintain good oral hygiene in child with ID.

A recent study points to parents' lack of knowledge about adequate oral hygiene methods applicable to individuals with ID1717 Hassona Y, Aljafari A, Atef A, Abdalfattah L, Hosey MT. Failure on all fronts: qualitative analysis of the oral health care experience in individuals with intellectual disability. Spec Care Dentist. 2021 Mar;41(2):235-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550. PMid:33264435.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550...
. The lack of commitment due to the stress of life and parents ‘apprehension with other priorities, such as controlling epileptic seizures and feeding problems, can affect their children's oral health1919 Stensson M, Norderyd J, Van Riper M, Marks L, Björk M. Parents’ perceptions of oral health, general health and dental health care for children with Down syndrome in Sweden. Acta Odontol Scand. 2021 May;79(4):248-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2020.1824015. PMid:33017197.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2020....
. Based on research1818 Duker LIS, Richter M, Lane CJ, Polido JC, Cermak SA. Oral care experiences and challenges for children with down syndrome: reports from caregivers. Pediatr Dent. 2020 Nov;42(6):430-5. PMid:33369553.

19 Stensson M, Norderyd J, Van Riper M, Marks L, Björk M. Parents’ perceptions of oral health, general health and dental health care for children with Down syndrome in Sweden. Acta Odontol Scand. 2021 May;79(4):248-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2020.1824015. PMid:33017197.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2020....
-2020 Schulte AG, Schmidt P. Oral health in persons with disability in Germany-an overview of the literature. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2021 Jul;64(7):793-801. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00103-021-03352-7. PMid:34100958.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00103-021-033...
, our results suggest that as parents play a vital role in providing oral health support, there is a need to create educational interventions for them. Basic levels of hygiene education and the concept of caries and biofilm should be addressed in government public preventive programs. Also partnerships with private institutions aiming to reduce oral diseases in patients with ID. Future projects should emphasize management techniques and oral health education in specialized referral centers2121 Liu HY, Chen PH, Chen WJ, Huang SS, Chen JH, Yao CT. The effectiveness of a board game-based oral hygiene education program on oral hygiene knowledge and plaque index of adults with intellectual disability: a pilot study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan;18(3):946. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030946. PMid:33499076.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030946...
,2222 Jeon B, Oh J, Son S. Effects of tooth brushing training, based on augmented reality using a smart toothbrush, on oral hygiene care among people with intellectual disability in Korea. Healthcare. 2021 Mar;9(3):348. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9030348. PMid:33803836.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9030...
. Therefore, the data of the present study also suggest the adoption of more public policies for the prevention and promotion of oral health for families of children with ID.

The main limitation of this study was the sample. Only individuals who did not need sedation or restraint were included. Also, the sample was not divided into groups with mild, moderate or severe disability. A previous study showed a high risk for oral health problems in individuals who are unable to cooperate in routine dental care2323 Kelly G. How do intellectual disabilities affect oral health? Evid Based Dent. 2020 Mar;21(1):26-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41432-020-0083-9. PMid:32221492.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41432-020-008...
. Thus, if these patients had been included, this study would possibly have found worse oral health outcomes and, thus, we would have had more foundation to create educational methods for parents in view of the needs of each group. Future studies along these lines should be developed with the intention of resolving these conflicts.

The DMFT index found in our results was 2 teeth with caries experience in each patient, being classified as low. However, given the fact that the children studied were in early childhood, this data becomes relevant. Epidemiological studies carried out in older age groups revealed high rates of decayed, filled or extracted tooth surfaces in individuals with ID2424 Vermaire JH, Kalf SM, Schuller AA. Oral health and oral health behavior of adolescents with mild or borderline intellectual disabilities compared with a national representative sample of 17-year-olds in the Netherlands. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2021 Mar;34(2):615-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12829. PMid:33169895.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12829...
,2525 Waldman HB, Perlman SP. Ensuring oral health for older individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. J Clin Nurs. 2012 Apr;21(7-8):909-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03969.x. PMid:22283734.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.20...
. Furthermore, they indicated more chances of extracted teeth according to oldness2424 Vermaire JH, Kalf SM, Schuller AA. Oral health and oral health behavior of adolescents with mild or borderline intellectual disabilities compared with a national representative sample of 17-year-olds in the Netherlands. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2021 Mar;34(2):615-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12829. PMid:33169895.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12829...
,2525 Waldman HB, Perlman SP. Ensuring oral health for older individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. J Clin Nurs. 2012 Apr;21(7-8):909-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03969.x. PMid:22283734.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.20...
. Thus, the need for adequate care for patients with ID and their caregivers is reiterated. Preventive oral health measures can improve the general health of this patients for life.

A previous study reported higher risk of older patients with ID to have gingivitis and periodontal disease1313 Nuernberg MAA, Ivanaga CA, Haas AN, Aranega AM, Casarin RCV, Caminaga RMS, et al. Periodontal status of individuals with Down syndrome: sociodemographic, behavioral and family perception influence. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2019 Oct;63(10):1181-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629. PMid:31062454.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629...
. On the other hand, the data obtained in this study suggest that patients aged 0-3 years are more likely to have a dental plaque index than patients aged 3-6 years. Considering the deficiency of parents to understand oral hygiene measures, this relationship can explain this finding. Possibly, knowledge such as chronology of tooth eruption and the importance of cleaning teeth of babies can decrease plaque index. Recently, Ordinance No. 2,979 of November 12, 2019, established dental prenatal care within the scope of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Despite being directed to the dental treatment of pregnant women, the diffusion of oral health care can have a positive impact on the oral conditions of children with ID. Consolidating this proposition, another previous study associated the children's level of oral condition with the parents' level of education and hygiene knowledge2525 Waldman HB, Perlman SP. Ensuring oral health for older individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. J Clin Nurs. 2012 Apr;21(7-8):909-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03969.x. PMid:22283734.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.20...
.

CONCLUSION

Given the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the parents were able to perceive the oral condition of their children. In addition, the frequency of parental care stimulation influenced the percentage of visible plaque and the number of decayed teeth in children with intellectual disabilities from zero to six years of age followed up at a specialized dental center.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank the Dental Assistance Center for Persons with Disabilities (CAOE- Centro de Assistência Odontológica à Pessoa com Deficiência) for their support during this project, the Pro-Rectory of University Extension and Culture (PROEC) for the financial support and extension grant and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) for the PIBIC scholarship for scientific initiation (Process: 120262/2022-3) by academic Amanda Paino Sant'Ana.

  • 1
    Gomes JAM. Maternal perception of bond, beliefs and practices in situations of social vulnerability [dissertation]. Fortaleza: Universidade Federal do Ceará; 2018.
  • How to cite: Paino Sant’Ana A, Stein MCRV, Rodrigues JVS, Mulinari-Santos G, Duque C, Zito ARA, et al. Impact of parental care on oral health of children with Intellectual Disabilities from zero to six years of age. Rev Odontol UNESP. 2022;51:e20220036. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-2577.03622

REFERENCES

  • 1
    Jeste PDV, Lieberman P-EJA, Fassler TD, Peele SR, Akaka J, Bernstein CA, et al. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed; 2014.
  • 2
    Aguirre-González G, Ávila-Rojas P, García-Flores R, Ruiz-Rodríguez S, Pozos-Guillén A, Garrocho-Rangel A. Inclusive dentistry: integral management of pediatric patients with intellectual disability and/or communication impairments. Case-series reports. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2020 Aug;44(4):221-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.17796/1053-4625-44.4.2 PMid:33167023.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.17796/1053-4625-44.4.2
  • 3
    Pedro MFP, Rodrigues OMPR. Disabled mother-infant interaction: a review study. Rev Educate UFSM Spec. 2019;32:1-27.
  • 4
    Martins GDF, Macarini SM, Vieira ML, Seidl-de-Moura ML, Bussab VSR, Cruz RM. Construction and validation of the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC) in early childhood. Psycho-USF. 2010;15:23-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712010000100004
  • 5
    Minetto MF, Löhr SS. Beliefs and educational practices of mothers of children with atypical development. Educate Rev. 2016 Jan-Mar;59:49-64. https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-4060.44791
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-4060.44791
  • 6
    Macarini SM, Martins GDF, Minetto M FJ, Vieira ML. Parental practices: a review of the Brazilian literature. Arq Bras Psicol. 2010;62(1):119-34.
  • 7
    Waldron C, Nunn J, Phadraig CMG, Comiskey C, Guerin S, van Harten MT, et al. Oral hygiene interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 May;5(5):CD012628. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012628.pub2 PMid:31149734.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012628.pub2
  • 8
    Eijsink AM, Schipper G, Vermaire JH. A Q-methodology study among caregivers of people with moderate intellectual disabilities on their clients’ health care: an example in oral health. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2018 Sep;31(5):915-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12451 PMid:29635847.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12451
  • 9
    Zhou N, Wong HM, Wen YF, McGrath C. Oral health status of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2017 Oct;59(10):1019-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13486 PMid:28627071.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13486
  • 10
    Pradhan A, Zachar JJ, Zafar S. Oral health conditions and treatment needs of children with intellectual disabilities attending special olympics Australia. J Dent Child. 2021 Jan;88(1):23-8. PMid:33875048.
  • 11
    Liu HY, Chen JR, Hsiao SY, Huang ST. Caregivers’ oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior toward their children with disabilities. J Dent Sci. 2017 Dec;12(4):388-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2017.05.003 PMid:30895080.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2017.05.003
  • 12
    von Elm E, Altman DG, Egger M, Pocock SJ, Gøtzsche PC, Vandenbroucke JP. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement: guidelines for reporting observational studies. J Clin Epidemiol. 2008 Apr;61(4):344-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2007.11.008 PMid:18313558.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2007.11.008
  • 13
    Nuernberg MAA, Ivanaga CA, Haas AN, Aranega AM, Casarin RCV, Caminaga RMS, et al. Periodontal status of individuals with Down syndrome: sociodemographic, behavioral and family perception influence. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2019 Oct;63(10):1181-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629 PMid:31062454.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jir.12629
  • 14
    Riberto M, Miyazaki MH, Jucá SSH, Sakamoto H, Pinto PPN, Battistella LR. Validação da versão brasileira da medida de independência funcional. Acta Fisiátr. 2004;11(2):72-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/0104-7795.20040003
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/0104-7795.20040003
  • 15
    Rodrigues OMPR, Campos BC, Martins JM, Padovan FHP. Maternal practices and beliefs about primary care and stimulation of preterm and term babies. Mudanças. 2019 Dez;27(2):1-7.
  • 16
    Klein H, Palmer CE. Dental caries in American Indian children. Public Health Bulletin. 1937;239:1-53.
  • 17
    Hassona Y, Aljafari A, Atef A, Abdalfattah L, Hosey MT. Failure on all fronts: qualitative analysis of the oral health care experience in individuals with intellectual disability. Spec Care Dentist. 2021 Mar;41(2):235-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550 PMid:33264435.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scd.12550
  • 18
    Duker LIS, Richter M, Lane CJ, Polido JC, Cermak SA. Oral care experiences and challenges for children with down syndrome: reports from caregivers. Pediatr Dent. 2020 Nov;42(6):430-5. PMid:33369553.
  • 19
    Stensson M, Norderyd J, Van Riper M, Marks L, Björk M. Parents’ perceptions of oral health, general health and dental health care for children with Down syndrome in Sweden. Acta Odontol Scand. 2021 May;79(4):248-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2020.1824015 PMid:33017197.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2020.1824015
  • 20
    Schulte AG, Schmidt P. Oral health in persons with disability in Germany-an overview of the literature. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2021 Jul;64(7):793-801. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00103-021-03352-7 PMid:34100958.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00103-021-03352-7
  • 21
    Liu HY, Chen PH, Chen WJ, Huang SS, Chen JH, Yao CT. The effectiveness of a board game-based oral hygiene education program on oral hygiene knowledge and plaque index of adults with intellectual disability: a pilot study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan;18(3):946. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030946 PMid:33499076.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030946
  • 22
    Jeon B, Oh J, Son S. Effects of tooth brushing training, based on augmented reality using a smart toothbrush, on oral hygiene care among people with intellectual disability in Korea. Healthcare. 2021 Mar;9(3):348. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9030348 PMid:33803836.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9030348
  • 23
    Kelly G. How do intellectual disabilities affect oral health? Evid Based Dent. 2020 Mar;21(1):26-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41432-020-0083-9 PMid:32221492.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41432-020-0083-9
  • 24
    Vermaire JH, Kalf SM, Schuller AA. Oral health and oral health behavior of adolescents with mild or borderline intellectual disabilities compared with a national representative sample of 17-year-olds in the Netherlands. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2021 Mar;34(2):615-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12829 PMid:33169895.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12829
  • 25
    Waldman HB, Perlman SP. Ensuring oral health for older individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. J Clin Nurs. 2012 Apr;21(7-8):909-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03969.x PMid:22283734.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03969.x

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    16 Dec 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    25 Oct 2022
  • Accepted
    08 Nov 2022
Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Rua Humaitá, 1680 - Caixa Postal 331, 14801-903 Araraquara,São Paulo,SP, Tel.: (55 16) 3301-6376, Fax: (55 16) 3301-6433 - Araraquara - SP - Brazil
E-mail: adriana@foar.unesp.br