Background

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk for oral pathology and parafunctional habits, and are reliant on caregivers for oral hygiene.

Aim

To evaluate oral hygiene habits and oral examination findings among a group of children with CP and a healthy age– and gender-matched control group.

Design

A comparative, cross-sectional study, consisting of a questionnaire component and a standard dental examination component, each applied to both groups.

Results

Eighty-three children with CP and 84 healthy children were included. Parents of children with CP were more likely to be of low educational level and lack a professional line of occupation (P < .05). Children with CP were less likely to be responsible for oral hygiene maintenance, adhere to toothbrushing, or receive procedural dental care (P < .001). Food packing and drooling were significantly more likely in children with CP. Malocclusion type III was more prevalent among children with CP, as was higher gingival index and gingival enlargement index—horizontal component (P < .001). There were no differences in caries experience between the CP and control groups.

Conclusions

Children with CP have suboptimal oral hygiene habits, limited access to procedural dental care, higher parafunctional habits, and increased periodontal pathology.