Oral Health in Hospitalized Children: A Cross Sectional Study.

AIMS: Children with chronic or acute conditions requiring hospitalization, often exposed to pharmacological treatments, altered nutrition, and disrupted hygiene, may experience oral health deterioration as an underappreciated complication. This study aimed to assess the oral health, dietary habits, and dental history of pediatric inpatients in relation to systemic conditions and previous hospitalizations.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

559 children, hospitalized between November 2023 and April 2025, were enrolled. Caregivers completed structured interviews regarding medical history, diet, and dental care. Clinical examinations assessed the Decayed Missing Filled Index (dmft/DMFT), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), Plaque Index (PI), and salivary pH. 86.9% had systemic diseases, 82.3% had been previously hospitalized, and 65.5% were under pharmacological therapies. Nutritional and oral health education was poor. Oral deterioration, caries experience, and cariogenic diet were observed in 20%, 63%, and 93% of the participants, respectively. Children with prior hospitalizations showed poorer oral health (p = 0.019), higher PI (median 40% vs. 30%, p = 0.023), MGI (p = 0.007), and IOTN (≥ 4:28% vs. 13%, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalization represents a critical period for pediatric oral health, providing opportunities for detection, education, and prevention. However, this potential remains underexploited, underscoring the need to integrate oral health promotion into hospital care.