Oral health and nutritional status of semi-institutionalized persons with mental retardation in Brazil

Association between oral health status and nutritional status was investigated in 200 semi-institutionalized persons with mental retardation aged 5–53 years, 45.5% female, in the cities of Florianópolis and São José, province of Santa Catarina, Brazil. In this cross-sectional study, clinical-odontological examination revealed a high percentage of individuals (68%) with heavily compromised dentition. The index of decayed, missing and filled deciduous and permanent teeth, which increased from 2.85 ± 2.87 in children to 20.5 ± 6.86 units in adults, was used to classify the individuals’ oral health status. Anthropometric evaluation revealed the prevalence of suboptimal nutritional status in 52% of children and adolescents [22% underweight, 30% at risk of overweight or overweight], and in 60% of adults [7% underweight, 53% overweight or obese]. Significant association was found between unsatisfactory oral health status and overweight in children (χ2 = 4.627; p = 0.031). Findings evidenced the existence of a relationship between oral health status and nutritional status in persons with mental retardation.