Valutazione dell’efficacia di un protocollo di igiene orale in pazienti pediatrici affetti da epilessia

Assessment of the effectiveness of an oral hygiene protocol in paediatric patients affected by epilepsy Aim of the work. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a specific oral hygiene protocol for epileptic paediatric subjects. Materials and methods A total of 30 epileptic patients were observed. They were divided into 3 groups according to their compliance level (A - high, B - medium, C - low). All patients were included in an oral hygiene prevention programme based on: instruction and motivation for home oral hygiene and for a correct diet; professional prophylaxis; follow-up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months. Results The results show a significant decrease of the Quigley-Hein plaque index and the gingival growth index, both after 3 and 6 months. The authors observed a costant reduction of the index scores (degree 3) in all the 3 groups, with a subsequent increase in the number of patients without plaque (third measurement: 69,2% in group A; 42,9% in group B; 33,3% in group C). Conclusions Specific oral hygiene protocols showed a general improvement of the oral conditions of epileptic patients and of their degree of collaboration.