Prevalence of bruxism in adults with cerebral palsy institutionalized in Lisbon.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of bruxism in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and evaluating the various factors associated METHODS: One hundred and ten adults diagnosed with CP were selected from six institutions for people with special needs. Data were collected through oral examinations using the diagnostic criteria proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the modified scale of Asworth RESULTS: Of the total sample, spastic tetraplegia was the most common type and half of the population presents severe intellectual disability. The prevalence of bruxism was 74,5%. Wear facets were observed in 67.9% of the sample, 59.1% of which were brilliant. There was a positive association between mixed bruxism (MB) and the spasticity classification. Through a logistic regression it was found that the risk of having MB and general bruxism (GB) is greater in individuals who have shiny wear facets. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study the high prevalence of GB indicates there is an urgent need for treatment options in people with CP. More studies are needed with standardized diagnostic protocols and representative samples to evaluate the factors that influence the presence of bruxism in this population and to establish an appropriate treatment planning.

Prevalence of malocclusion in individuals with and without intellectual disability: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence malocclusion between individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and a control group without disability (NID). METHODS: A total of 202 individuals (123 with ID and 79 with no impairment) were included in the study. Data were collected through oral examinations using the Angle classification of malocclusion and the dental aesthetic index (DAI). RESULTS: According to Angle's classification of malocclusion, it was found that 37.6% of all participants presented malocclusion. Class II malocclusion was the most common form of malocclusion in both groups, whereas class III cases were present almost exclusively in ID group (91.7%). The mean DAI score was 30.85 (± 13.7), being higher in the ID group (32.80) than in the control group (27.81; p = 0.003). A total of 45 (22.3%) participants had DAI scores of 36 and above, which indicate a handicapping malocclusion requiring mandatory orthodontic treatment. From those needing mandatory orthodontic treatment, the majority (84.4%) belonged to ID group. Mandibular irregularity (56.4%) and incisal segment crowding (45%) were the most common features of the malocclusion. Linear regression indicates that having an intellectual disability predicts severe or very severe malocclusion. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of malocclusion was found to be higher and more severe in intellectual disabled participants. The dental practitioner should understand the particular relevance of this problem especially in patients with intellectual disabilities where impaired oral functions and poor appearance may further complicate oral health and increase negative social responses.