Perception of Oral Status as a Barrier to Oral Care for People with Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the oral health status of people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and determine if people with a SCI have an accurate perception of their oral status, and if this is potentially a barrier to oral care. Methods consisted of a survey and oral examination given to 92 willing participants of the Methodist Rehabilitation Center who sustained a SCI. The examination consisted of periodontal status using Periodontal Screen and Recording IndexTM and dental status using Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth index. Oral health score was also determined through questioning the participant. These scores, retrieved by the dental hygienist, were then compared to what the SCI individual's perception of their own oral health. Results indicate their perception of oral health was much better than dental assessment showed. Additionally, more than 18% of this population was completely unaware of decay which was found in over half of those studied, and more than 60% were unaware of periodontal disease that was exhibited in over 75% of those studied. This comparison evaluated a major awareness about the need for education and oral care among the SCI population.