Longitudinal evaluation of the oral conditions of individuals with intellectual disabilities attending special Olympics events in Italy

The present study aimed to evaluate longitudinally the oral conditions of athletes with intellectual disabilities who participated in at least 2 Italian editions of Special Olympics with a minimum follow-up of 5 (to 10) years. Data concerning home oral hygiene, oral signs and symptoms were recorded, and oral hygiene instructions were provided. The data of the first timepoint (t0) were compared with those from the second one (t1). Out of 2081 visits, 114 athletes met the inclusion criteria (mean age 26.8 years at t0 and 33.4 at t1). Toothbrushing once or more a day was reported by 83.3% of the sample at t0 and 95.6% at t1 (p < 0.05), while gingival signs in 47.5% at t0 and 52.5% at t1, respectively. The % of subjects with decayed, missing, filled and sealed teeth increased between t0 and t1. Oral lesions were observed more frequently at t1 (p < 0.05). A significant difference emerged for the mean missing (1.7 at t0 vs. 2.9 at t1) and filled teeth (2.9 at t0 vs. 3.7 at t1) values and DMFT index (5.7 at t0 vs. 7.6 at t1). A substantial stability/improvement concerning some indicators of general, oral, and dental health was observed in the studied population.