Methods: The study population consisted of 24 children ages 5-12 years suffering from ADHA and treated with Ritalin daily. The control group consisted of 22 healthy children matched for age and sex. All children underwent a dental examination which included a record of decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) in permanent teeth, and decayed, extracted or filled teeth (deft) in primary teeth. Periodontal and gingival status was obtained using Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI). In the anterior segment occlusal measurements included Over Bite (OB) and Over Jet (OJ).
Maxillary anterior teeth were clinically examined for dental trauma.
Using a questionnaire: Ritalin intake, frequency and duration of treatment were obtained.
Results: Caries prevalence in the study group was significantly higher than the control group. DMFT (study) = 6.55 ± 3.16, DMFT (control) = 3.37 ± 3.15 (p<0.05). deft (study) = 5.125 ± 3.16, deft (control) = 2.88 ± 2.42 (p<0.05). Periodontal and gingival status was similar in the two groups. GI (study) = 0.99 ± 0.44, GI (control) = 1.04 ± 0.55 (p=0.58). PI (study) = 1.13 ± 0.58, PI (control) = 1.24 ± 0.54 (p=0.52). No significant differences were found in OJ and OB measurements between the two groups. However, dental trauma incidence was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (0.29 vs 0.04, p=0.02).
Conclusions: Children suffering from ADHD and treated with Ritalin have a significantly higher caries prevalence and dental trauma incidence than healthy children. This group may require special measures for improving dental status and adjustment of a mouthguard to prevent oral trauma.