Oral Health Challenges in Children with Special Needs

Strategic Insights -

A new research study conducted in Istanbul, Turkiye, highlights the difficulties faced by children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental services. The study, which examined 1229 children aged 0-8 years with disabilities, found that these children experience oral health problems at a higher rate compared to the general population. The research aimed to assess factors influencing oral health in CSHCN and propose preventive strategies within the dental home framework.

Key Takeaways:

  • Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) face significant challenges in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental services due to disabilities.
  • Individuals with special needs experience oral health problems at a higher rate compared to the general population.
  • The study concluded that the widespread implementation of the dental home model and regular dental check-ups will be a significant step in addressing oral health needs.
  • Children who eat snacks frequently, particularly those who consume snacks 3 times daily, showed significantly higher caries indices across all measures.
  • The study found that children who eat in excess of 45 minutes to eat had significantly higher dfs + DMFS (1 surface) (p = 0.036) and dft + DMFT values (p = 0.019).
  • The research used a combination of indices, including dfs + DMFS and dft + DMFT, to evaluate caries experience.
  • The study proposed preventive strategies, such as the use of a home-based care model, to improve oral health in CSHCN.

Statistics:

  • 1229 children aged 0-8 years with disability health reports in Istanbul were examined through home visits by mobile dental teams.
  • The study found that children who eat snacks 3 times daily showed significantly higher caries indices across all measures (p = 0.019).
  • Children who eat in excess of 45 minutes to eat showed significantly higher dfs + DMFS (1 surface) (p = 0.036) and dft + DMFT values (p = 0.019).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Health and Medicine Study Findings Have Been Reported by Cafer Atas and Colleagues (Improving Oral Health in Children With Disabilities: A Preventive Home-Based Care Model From T?rkiye). Pediatrics Week. November 1, 2025; p 387.
  • Atas, C., et al. (2025). Improving Oral Health in Children With Disabilities: A Preventive Home-Based Care Model From T?rkiye. Child, 51(6). doi: 10.1111/(ISSN)1475-3588