Evaluation of oral health and dental hygiene habits in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a longitudinal pilot study

Objectives: Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at increased risk of oral diseases due to physical limitations, poor oral health awareness, and inadequate dental hygiene practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to analyze changes in their dental hygiene habits following subsequent visits and oral hygiene education. Method and materials: This pilot longitudinal observational study involved students with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities from a special needs school. Oral health was assessed using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II), Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE), Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE), and Simplified Oral Hygiene (OHI-S) indices. Participants received oral hygiene training, and their brushing techniques were evaluated using the Oral Hygiene Skills Survey. Data on brushing frequency, skills, toothpaste use, and OHI-S scores were collected at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Results: Twenty-three participants aged 14 to 19 years were evaluated, showing high DMFT scores (mean 10.91 ± 6.06), advanced caries in 78.3%, and enamel defects and erosive tooth wear in 65.2%. Significant improvements were observed in toothbrushing frequency (P = .008), with reductions in OHI-S scores (P = .001) and enhanced brushing skills (P = .016) during follow-ups. Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of dental caries, enamel defects, and erosive tooth wear among adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite poor baseline oral hygiene practices, regular follow-ups and oral hygiene education significantly improved oral hygiene habits and outcomes.