Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc59/3/5
The Impact of ADHD Symptoms on Children’s Oral Health
Vlatka Njari Galić
; University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Darko Vlahović
; School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
Dalibor Karlović
; School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
Željko Verzak
; University Dental Clinic, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Ivana Čuković-Bagić
; University Dental Clinic, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and various oral health outcomes in children, including dental trauma,
plaque accumulation, gingivitis, endodontic treatment, and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Materials and Methods: Eighty children (42 boys and 38 girls) aged 3 to 17 years participated in the study. Caregivers completed a standardized ADHD diagnostic tool (ADHDT) assessing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Each child underwent a comprehensive oral examination to assess
the presence of plaque, gingivitis, dental trauma, endodontically treated teeth, and MIH. Results: No statistically significant associations were observed between ADHD symptoms and the presence of plaque, gingivitis, endodontic treatment, or MIH. However, a significant association was found between higher hyperactivity and impulsivity scores and increased incidence of dental trauma. Inattention symptoms did not demonstrate a significant relationship with any of the oral health indicators.
Conclusions: Children exhibiting higher levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity may be at increased risk for dental trauma. These findings highlight the importance of integrating behavioral assessments into pediatric dental care to better identify and manage children who may be more vulnerable to oral injuries.
Keywords
ADHD, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Pediatric dentistry; Oral health; Dental trauma
Hrčak ID:
335365
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2025.
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