Potential Factors of Dental Health Behavior as a Predictor of Dental Caries Status in Visually Impaired Children: A Pilot Study.

AIM: This study aimed to explain the potential factors of dental and oral hygiene behavior as a predictor of dental caries status in children with visual impairments.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired children was investigated through a cross-senal study conducted at a visually impaired special needs elementary school in Jakarta, Indonesia. The study included 25 visually impaired children aged 6-12 years, with dental caries status examined using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT)/dmft index according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Data were collected through comprehensive interviews involving the completion of 13 WHO Annex questions.

RESULTS

The result showed that the overall prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired children was 64%, with an average dmft/DMFT of 2.24/0.96. Some of the factors that significantly influence the dental caries status in children with visual impairments aged 6-12 years include visiting the dentist [p = 0.029, 0.05, Pearson's Chi-square, confidence interval (CI) 95%] and the need for care (p = 0.002, 0.05, Pearson's Chi-square, CI 95%).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the majority of visually impaired children have dental caries, which is influenced by factors, such as visiting the dentist and the need for treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Visiting the dentist regularly and knowing the need for the treatment are the important factors in preventing of dental caries. How to cite this article: Darwita RR, Mayasari Y, Danaswari PVS, et al. Potential Factors of Dental Health Behavior as a Predictor of Dental Caries Status in Visually Impaired Children: A Pilot Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):174-179.