Assessing the oral health status of children with hearing and speech disability along promoting the oral health education among them

Hellen Keller famously said, “Blindness cuts us off from the things, deafness cut us off from the people”. Hearing and speech loss limits one from interacting with one’s peers, and so impacts the ability to participate in social activities. In children, it interferes learning.1Children with sensory deficits are most commonly encountered with poor oral hygiene, which is attributed to their physical inability and also due to reduced access to proper dental care2. Aim- To evaluate the oral health status of children with hearing and speech disability and promoting the oral health education. Material and methodology- This study included sixty children within age range of 6-14 years. The plaque, gingival and DMFS index were recorded and analysed. The Oral Health education Program was conducted along with demonstration of brushing techniques. The follow up examination was assessed after one month for evaluating the effect of dental educational program. Result- Significant decrease in the values of plaque and gingival index after the oral health education program was observed and there was no significant difference in the DMFS score post the program. Conclusion- Significant improvement in oral hygiene status, participants brushing skills and oral health status after educational program was observed.