Saliva and Oral Health Status in Children with Special Needs

The present study aims at evaluating the alkaline phosphatase, calcium, inorganic phosphorous, pH, buffering capacity levels of saliva and DMFT index in intellectually disabled and non-intellectually disabled children. Saliva is one of the most important factor in prevention of dental caries. Any change in saliva composition plays an important role in development and progression of caries. The prevalence of dental caries and alkaline phosphatase is high in Intellectually disabled children whether the remaining salivary constituents are found at higher levels in non-intellectually disabled children. This is due to poor muscular synchronization and muscle weakness in intellectually disabled children that hinders routine daily oral hygiene measures. Lack of knowledge about oral hygiene practices, lack of motivation, low priority given to the dental care in the society, lack of facilities for regular oral health check-up and prompt treatment, poor socioeconomic status of the parents and cost of the treatment may be the reasons for these accumulated treatment needs. Thus, a systematic endeavor to enhance the preventive approach should be undertaken by the oral health authorities.