A systematic review and meta‐analysis of dental plaque control among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Issue 3 (8th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGrath, Colman; Zhou, Ni; Wong, Hai Ming
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities. Volume 32:Issue 3(2019:May)
• Page Start: 522
• Page End: 532
• Publication Date: 2019-02-08
• Subjects: chlorhexidine -- dental plaque -- oral health -- systematic review -- toothbrush; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities -- Periodicals; 616.85880072
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12561
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2322

Abstract

Abstract: Background: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) typically have poorer oral health. Oral diseases have a microbiological origin, and thus, dental plaque control (DPC) is key to safeguard their oral health. Methods: A structured search strategy was applied to screen oral health promotion initiatives for DPC among children and adolescents with ID following PRISMA statements. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Results: From 1, 455 citations, 22 studies informed this review. Seven studies related to mechanical interventions and 13 to chemical interventions. Qualitative analyses found conventional toothbrushes were less effective than modified toothbrushes but quantitative analyses were conflicting. Of the nine studies that compared chlorhexidine to placebos, seven reported chlorhexidine was more effective than placebos. Meta‐analysis favoured chlorhexidine to placebos ( p < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.34–0.63). Conclusions: Both mechanical and chemical interventions are effective for DPC. It is unclear whether they are alternative means for DPC or whether they are best employed together.