Journal of Dental Research, Vol 80, 421-426, Copyright © 2001 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Move of adults with mental retardation from institutions to community-based living: changes in the oral microbiological flora
P. Gabre, M. Wikstrom, T. Martinsson and L. Gahnberg
Samariterhemmet Hospital Dental Clinic, Public Dental Health Services, Uppsala, Sweden. pia.gabre@samarit.ftv.lul.se
In the Western world, the policy of deinstitutionalization and integration
of individuals with mental retardation is generally accepted. We tested the
hypothesis that de-institutionalization may lead to changes of habits with
a potential to influence oral health. When 57 adults with mental
retardation moved from an institution to community-based living, their oral
hygiene habits, gingival bleeding, and a three-day food record were
registered one month before and 9 and 21 months after the move. Mutans
streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva, P. intermedia/P. nigrescens, P.
gingivalis, and A. actinomycetemcomitans in supragingival plaque, and C.
albicans on mucous membranes were analyzed. After 21 months of
community-based living, fewer persons showed high classes of mutans
streptococci, growth of P. intermedia/P. nigrescens, and high frequency of
sucrose intake, and more subjects showed growth of C. albicans. In a short
perspective, the indicators of oral diseases suggest an unchanged or lower
risk of oral diseases after the de-institutionalization of individuals with
moderate or severe mental retardation.
