Evaluation of oral health index and frequency of diseases related to oral cavity and soft tissue lesions in mentally retarded people in Tabriz in 2020

Abstract

Background: People with mental disabilities are high-risk and vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health index and the frequency of oral cavity-related diseases in people with mental retardation in Tabriz in 1399. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 92 mentally retarded patients aged 18 to 65 years were included in the study. All demographic information of patients including age, sex, length of stay, history of smoking, history of chronic disease, use of dentures, patient's eating habits and type of medication were recorded in the data collection form. Patients were examined by a dentist. Oral lesions, DMF levels were determined and recorded Results: 92 mentally retarded patients including 39.1% females and 60.9% males were studied. The mean age of the patients was 17 ± 7.82 years. 71.7% had mild mental retardation, 20.7% had moderate mental retardation and 7.6% had severe mental retardation. 46.7% had a history of chronic diseases and 48.9% had a history of drug use. 65.2% had soft tissue lesions. The most common soft tissue lesions were chewing with 29.35%, gingivitis with 16.3%, pest with 15.22% and periodontal with 13.04%. The mean DMF was 3.93 2 2.01 which was not significantly different based on the degree of mental retardation of individuals and age group. Conclusion: The prevalence of soft tissue lesions was 65.2% and the mean DMF was 3.93. 2.01. DMF was similar in people with varying degrees of disability and different age groups.