Anthropometric and Sociodemographic Correlates of Dental Caries and Gingival Health in Children With Special Healthcare Needs at a Saudi Tertiary Care Hospital.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of anthropometric and sociodemographic factors on dental caries and gingival health among children with special healthcare needs (SHCN).

METHODS AND

RESULTS

This cross-sectional study involved 108 children, aged 4-14 years, with congenital heart disease, childhood cancer, bleeding disorders, various syndromes, and multiple conditions. Caregivers completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, and children underwent dental examinations to assess caries, gingival health, and oral hygiene. Anthropometric measures-weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)-were obtained and categorized into percentiles (<10, 10-90, >90) using age- and gender-specific growth charts. Dental caries was highly prevalent (93.5%), with a mean dmft/DMFT value of 7.70 (SD ± 5.22). The mean gingival index was 0.43 (SD ± 0.52). Total dmft/DMFT values were significantly higher in children ≤6 years and those with fathers of lower educational levels. Poor oral hygiene was a strong predictor of adverse outcomes for both caries and gingival health. Higher gingival indices correlated with children in the >90th weight percentile.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the need for comprehensive oral health interventions that integrate meticulous oral hygiene, paternal education, and holistic growth monitoring beyond BMI. The results support implementing a 3-month recall program for professional dental care, combined with individualized oral hygiene instruction for caregivers. This approach is particularly crucial for the younger age group (≤6 years) where targeted early intervention could significantly reduce caries risk.