ORAL HEALTH OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED SCHOOL GOING INDIVIDUALS IN BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Dr. Shelja Vashisth; Dr. Aruna Devi

Volume : VII, Issue : VI, June - 2018

ORAL HEALTH OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED SCHOOL GOING INDIVIDUALS IN BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Dr. Shelja Vashisth, Dr. Aruna Devi

Abstract :

BACKGROUND:Children and adolescents with visual impairment appear to have poorer oral health than their non disabled counterparts. Hence a study was carried out to look into the oral health of visually impaired school going individuals in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A crossectional study was carried out among visually impaired individuals going to school in Bangalore.The information was recorded using Gingival index, Plaque control record index, Oral hygiene index, Dean‘s Fluorosis index, DMFTand deft index, Angle‘s classification for malocclusion. The data was then analysed using SPSS (ver.19) and Chi– square test was used for comparative analysis.

RESULTS: Gingivitis was present in 98.5% subjects. The presence of subgingival and / supragingival calculus was seen in 78.8% subjects.Dental caries was experienced by 28.2% subjects. 12.3% subjects showed one or more fractured incisors.

CONCLUSION: The oral condition of the visually impaired individuals is not satisfactory.