The Oral Health Status of Person with Special Needs in Kumasi

Background: The most prevalent non-communicable disease worldwide is oral health-related disease, with dental caries and periodontal conditions being common. Oral health status significantly impacts overall health and quality of life. Barriers to dental care affect children with special needs. This study evaluates the oral health status and treatment requirements of people with special needs. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study in Kumasi, Ghana examined oral health status among people, 121 children with special needs over two months, in June-July 2022. Dental caries, periodontal changes, malocclusion, and trauma were assessed. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Results: The oral health status among people with special needs in this study was generally moderate, with a range from very good to very poor. The prevalence of dental caries was 37%, with a mean DMFT score of 2.82. Periodontal health showed unsatisfactory indicators such as mobile teeth, poor gingival health, high plaque scores, and the presence of halitosis. Conclusion: This descriptive study aimed to provide baseline data on the oral health status of special needs students in Kumasi, addressing the lack of knowledge in this area. It highlighted the importance of dental care in maintaining good oral health and overall well-being in individuals with special needs. Coordinated efforts by dental professionals are needed to provide dental health education and preventive interventions for these children.

Prevalence of Thumb Sucking Habits amongst Children at the Knust Basic School

Main Objective: To determine the prevalence of thumb sucking habits amongst children at the KNUST Basic School. Methodology: This study was quantitative and descriptive with the design being a cross-sectional type. The data was obtained from KNUST Basic School with a sample size of 200. Data was obtained through questionnaires and clinical examination. Results: Out of the 200 children studied, 19 (9.5%) were identified as thumb suckers, with a majority being females (13, 68.42%) and the rest being males (6, 31.58%). Most of the thumb suckers (47.37%) engaged in the habit due to hunger. The clinical manifestations observed among the thumb suckers included Class I malocclusion (94.7%), high arched palate (89.5%), anterior open bite (4), increased overjet (3, 15.8%), proclined maxillary incisors (4, 22.2%), linguoversion of mandibular incisors (1, 5.6%), unilateral posterior crossbite (2, 10.5%), speech changes (7, 41.2%), thinner thumb (7, 36.8%), elongated thumb (9, 47.4%), and callus formation on the thumb (2, 10.5%). Conclusion: Thumb sucking is a common oral habit which stimulates the growth of the orofacial complex from ages 0 to 3 years. The habit of thumb sucking is usually outgrown by age 3 but beyond this age, it turns out as a deleterious habit which has to be seen as such and measures put in place to stop thumb sucking.