Original scientific paper

HEALTH CONDITION AND FUNCTION OF MASTICATORY UNITS IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Danko Bakarčić ; School of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Renata Gržić ; School of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Igor Prpić ; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Vlatka Mikić ; School of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Nataša Ivančić-Jokić ; School of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Martina Majstorović ; School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess the difference in dental health condition and function of masticatory units among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy children. Altered function of masticatory system in children with CP causes the mastication problems that lead to low level of oral cavity self-cleaning. These conditions cause long-term mushy food consumption which
leads to increased caries development. Number of functional masticatory units is the number of sound teeth or teeth with caries lesions in occlusion with antagonists that can be used for mastication. Comparing the results of the DMFT/dft (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index values there is no statistically significant difference between children with CP and healthy children.
Healthy children had statistically significant major number of filled teeth than children with CP, while in children with CP was major number of extractions. There is no statistically significant difference between examined and control group regarding other components of DMFT/dft index.
Comparison of number of functional masticatory units showed no statistically significant difference between groups. D component of DMFT index which show untreated caries lesions is higher than filling and extraction component. This points to unsatisfactory level of curative measures performed in all children.
Early and well organised preventive care lead by cooperation of pediatric and denal health service is imperative to decrease the level of oral and dental diseases aswell as whole masticatory system and for maintainig the good oral health for that population.

Keywords

cerebral palsy; caries; masticatory units; DMFT/dft index

Hrčak ID:

22558

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/22558

Publication date:

25.6.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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