Investigation and analysis of the prevalence of oral diseases and oral health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy, and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of oral diseases and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and identify associated factors.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 192 children with CP who were admitted to Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University between March 2023 and May 2024. The prevalence of oral diseases, such as dental caries, pulp diseases, malocclusion, and dental trauma, was statistically analyzed. The 5-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) was used to assess OHRQoL. OHIP-5 scores were compared across different degrees of CP severity, and factors influencing OHRQoL were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 192 children, 50.00% had dental caries, 22.40% had pulp diseases, 16.15% had malocclusion, and 11.46% had dental trauma, with only 14.06% being disease-free. The mean OHIP-5 score was 9.24 ± 1.87. Severe CP was associated with a higher prevalence of oral diseases and higher OHIP-5 scores compared to mild and moderate CP (P < 0.05). Poorer OHRQoL was associated with parental education (vocational school or below), low family income (≤ 5000 RMB/month), infrequent tooth brushing (< 2 times/day), short brushing duration (< 3 minutes), and irregular toothbrush replacement (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified severe CP (OR = 2.050), low family income (OR = 1.923), infrequent brushing (OR = 1.960), short brushing duration (OR = 1.929), and irregular toothbrush replacement (OR = 1.895) as significant risk factors for reduced OHRQoL (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children with CP have a high prevalence of oral diseases, which significantly impact their OHRQoL. Severe CP and modifiable risk factors, such as oral hygiene practices and socioeconomic status, are critical contributors. Interventions targeting these factors could improve oral health outcomes in this population.