TY - JOUR A1 - Aruna, C A1 - Chandu, G A1 - Shafiulla, Md T1 - Dental Caries Experience among Deaf and Dumb Children in Davangere, Karnataka Y1 - 2005/7/1 JF - Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry JO - J Indian Assoc Public Health Dent SP - 1 EP - 4 VL - 5 IS - 6 UR - https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2005;volume=5;issue=6;spage=1;epage=4;aulast=Aruna N2 - BACKGROUND : There have been relatively few investigations of oral conditions of disabled children. Several studies have noted that the disabled children have higher level of caries and a lower level of care. OBJECTIVE : To assess the caries experience among 6-18 yr old deaf and dumb children of "Mouneshwara Residential School" of Davangere region, as the disabled children are the neglected lot of the community. METHOD : Cross sectional study was conducted on a sample consisting of all the 280 deaf and dumb children of 6-18 yr age group. Specially designed proforma was used and information about oral hygiene habits and dietary habits were recorded. DMFT index was recorded. RESULTS : Showed high percentage (93.9%) decayed teeth and only 0.4% filled teeth. Mean DMFT was 1.64. CONCLUSION : Mean DMFT was 1.64. 93.9% were decayed teeth, only 0.4% of the teeth were treated by providing filling. This is a highly alarming situation. Immediate intervention is recommended for this group of children involving voluntary health agencies and conducting treatment camps. Efforts must be made to encourage the parents of these children to promote and improve their oral health ER -