Oral health, dental anxiety, and behavior management problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• Published in: European journal of oral sciences 2006-10, Vol.114 (5), p.385-390
• Main Authors: Blomqvist, My, Holmberg, Kirsten, Fernell, Elisabeth, Ek, Ulla, Dahllöf, Göran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ADHD; anxiety; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - psychology; behavioral science; Child; Child Behavior - psychology; children; Dental Anxiety - epidemiology; Dental Anxiety - psychology; dental caries; Dental Caries - epidemiology; Dentistry; Educational Status; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Humans; Male; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; oral health; Psychology; Psykologi; SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP; Sex Factors; SOCIAL SCIENCES; Socialvetenskap; Sweden - epidemiology
• ISSN: 0909-8836; 1600-0722
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0722.2006.00393.x

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate whether children with ADHD have a higher caries prevalence, a higher degree of dental anxiety, or more dental behavior management problems (BMP) than children of a control group. Twenty‐five children with ADHD and a control group of 58 children, all aged 11 yr, were included in the study. The children underwent a clinical dental examination, and bitewing radiographs were taken. The parents completed the Dental Subscale of Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS‐DS). Dental records from the subjects were obtained, and data regarding notes on behavior management problems (BMP) of the children when between 3 and 10 yr of age were compiled. Compared with controls, children with ADHD had significantly higher decayed, missing or filled surfaces (DMFS) (2.0 ± 3.0 vs. 1.0 ± 1.5) and significantly higher decayed surfaces (DS) (1.7 ± 3.6 vs. 0.5 ± 0.9). Differences between the groups regarding CFSS‐DS scores were non‐significant. In the ADHD group, the prevalence of BMP increased when the children were between 7 and 9 yr of age. In conclusion, children with ADHD exhibited a higher caries prevalence, did not exhibit a higher degree of dental anxiety, and had more BMP than children of a control group.