La enfermedad periodontal en un colectivo de pacientes minusválidos. Evaluación a 12 años de un programa preventivo

Resumen

Introduction: Physical, mental or sensorial handicapped are asociated with a lack of oral hygiene, anda high buco-dental pathology. Patiens and Methods: We carried out a stomatology survey on 110 handicapped patients all of them belonging to the National Center ATAM from Pozuelo (Madrid). Since 1982, the patients are involved in an intensive preventive program. Depending on the patology we can divide them into four main groups, Down 's Sme., Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retard. Thirty variables are studied to asses the buco-dental health and the twelve years preventive program evaluation between 1982 and 1993. Results: There is great deal of oral pathology, mostly periodontal. The plaque and gingivitis index decreased significantly during the.first period in which the program was applied (1982-1985). Although most of the group raised slowly as years went by, the cerebral palsy group followed a faster pattern. The difference among groups is very significant (P<0,001 ). The prevention of tooth decay improves the index during the twelve years program. Conclusions: Although the plaque control program improves during the first period, after a long time it slyghly increases again in some groups and in a higher rate in others, depending on its application difficulty (more difficult in cerebral palsy). In the periods of motivation and reinforcement it is necesmy to reactivate the program. The decay prevention is clearly improved.