Dental erosion in cerebral palsy patients.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence and severity of dental erosion in cerebral palsy (CP) patients. A group of 48 noninstitutionalized individuals with CP, 2 to 18 years old (8.8+/-3.9 years), has been diagnosed with the disorder. Dental erosion was evaluated according to O'Brien. Results were compared to a control group composed by 26 patients with no neurological damage aged 4 to 18 years (11.3+/-3.5 years). Presence of deep dental erosion was significantly higher in CP individuals when compared to the control group. Concerning motor disorder, no statistical difference has been observed between the types of CP. Most of the affected teeth observed in the study group were the upper and lower molars and upper incisors. Cerebral palsy patients have a higher risk of dental erosion development.