Predictors of dental caries in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP): a cross-sectional analytical study in Malaysia

This study demonstrates that children and adolescents with CP experience high caries prevalence and unmet dental treatment needs. On average, the caregivers experience mild to moderate burden and severe motor impairment (GMFCS IV-V) is the sole key predictor of caries risk in children and adolescents with CP. Hence, the GMFCS classification serves as a reliable tool for stratifying caries risk in children and adolescents with CP. Targeted dental caries prevention, early intervention, regular monitoring, and multidisciplinary care involving pediatricians, rehabilitation teams and the pediatric dental team are imperative to improve oral health outcomes.