Comparative Study of Oral Health Status among Visually Impaired and Sighted Children

Abstract

Background: Visual impairment may negatively affect children’s daily activities, educational opportunities, and hygiene practices, including their ability to maintain oral hygiene independently. Therefore, assessing the oral health status of visually impaired children is important for improving access to dental care services and developing preventive oral health programs. Aim: To compare the oral health status of visually impaired and sighted children. Materials and Methods: A total of 174 children from grades 1–12 of School No. 116 for visually impaired children and Logarithm School in Ulaanbaatar were included in this study. Oral examinations were conducted using an examination form developed according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2013) guidelines. The study was carried out using a descriptive cross-sectional design, and the collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: Among visually impaired children, the prevalence of dental caries was 77%, with a mean DMFT index of 4.4±3.8. Among sighted children, the prevalence of dental caries was 75.9%, with a mean DMFT index of 4.7±3.8. The prevalence of gingivitis was 18.4% in visually impaired children and 11.5% in sighted children. Oral hygiene status was predominantly classified as poor or fair among visually impaired children, whereas a good level of oral hygiene predominated among sighted children. Conclusions: 1. The prevalence and severity of dental caries were similar between visually impaired and sighted children. 2. The prevalence of gingivitis was comparable between visually impaired (18.4%) and sighted children (11.5%). 3. Oral hygiene status was generally poorer among visually impaired children, while sighted children predominantly demonstrated good oral hygiene.