Oral Health Assessment of Orphanage-raised and Family-raised Children of Lucknow City: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Despite sufficient support, the lack of parental care makes orphanage-raised children vulnerable to various health and psychological problems. Health problems such as nutritional deficiencies, compromised oral health, and various psychological conditions are the common problems in these children. Considering the various problems faced by orphanage-raised children, the study is designed to better assess the facts and status of oral health and quality of life in these children. Aims and Objective: (1) To assess and compare the oral health status in orphanage-raised and family-raised children of Lucknow City and (2) to compare body mass index (BMI) and correlate it with oral health among these children. Materials and Methods: Eight hundred and seventy children (342 family-raised and 528 orphanage-raised) were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria in the study, after obtaining written consent and institutional ethical approval. A comprehensive oral examination was done according to the World Health Organization criteria. Results: Results showed statistically significant poor oral hygiene, higher decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) score, and lower BMI in orphanage-raised children. There was no correlation between BMI and DMFT/Oral Hygiene Index scores in both the groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study highlights the compromised oral health status of orphanage children compared to family-raised children.