Factors influencing caries experience among adults with physical and intellectual disabilities

Abstract – Background: There is limited and inconsistent evidence on the influence of residential setting on caries experience of adults with physical and intellectual disabilities (PID), described here as care‐recipients. Objective: To examine caries experience and associated factors among adults with PID. Methods: Mailed questionnaire survey (2005–2006) of carers of adults with PID (18–44 years) in South Australia from family homes, community housing, and institutions, and oral examinations of care‐recipients recording decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) teeth (DMFT). Results: Carers completed questionnaires for 485 care‐recipients, 267 of whom were examined (completion rate = 55.1%). The prevalence of decay (D > 0) was 16.9% and 76.3% had caries experience (DMFT > 0). In unadjusted analysis, care‐recipients at institutions had a significantly higher mean DMFT than other settings. After adjusting for carer and care‐recipient characteristics, there was no difference in any of the DMFT components among residential settings. However, there were statistically significant associations (OR ± 95% CI excluding unity) between decayed teeth and moderate and high intake of sweet drinks and frequency of dental visits. Higher odds of missing teeth were associated with type of disability, general anaesthetic requirement for dental treatment and low and high carer‐contact. Higher odds of filled teeth were associated with age, no oral hygiene assistance (OHA) and high carer‐contact. Higher odds of caries experience were associated with age and no OHA. Conclusions: Residential setting was not associated with caries experience. Modifiable risk factors were diet, frequency of dental visits, no OHA and carer‐contact hours.