Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
Purpose: To evaluate the oral health status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Türkiye and to examine the distribution of caries experience using the Significant Caries (SiC) Index to identify high-risk subgroups. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 51 children with CP receiving services from the Spastic Children’s Foundation. Clinical examinations assessed dental caries using combined dft + DMFT scores, whilst lesion severity was evaluated using a three-category clinical classification mapped to ICDAS levels. Plaque accumulation was assessed using the Silness–Löe index. Caregivers completed structured questionnaires on oral hygiene practices, feeding habits, and dental attendance. Descriptive statistics were used. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD or median (IQR). Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages with 95% confidence intervals. Results: ICDAS-mapped lesion prevalence was 94% and the mean dft + DMFT score was 4.12 ± 3.59. Lesion severity distribution based on ICDAS-mapped categories showed a predominance of moderate lesions. The SiC value was 8.41, indicating a subgroup with markedly higher caries burden. Although 86% had a toothbrushing habit, only 43% brushed twice daily. Of those using toothpaste, 59% used fluoride-free children’s toothpaste and 34% used adult toothpaste. Nighttime bottle use persisted in 55% and all with this habit had caries. The mean plaque index was 1.25 ± 0.99. No caregiver had received oral health education. Conclusion: Dental caries amongst children with CP in Türkiye are highly prevalent and concentrated in a high-risk subgroup identified by the SiC.