Difficulty in Keeping Teeth Clean and Its Impact on Oral Health in Cerebral Palsy: Evidence From a New Zealand Cohort

Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) face challenges in maintaining oral hygiene; data on their oral health practices and outcomes are limited. Aim To examine oral health practices and their association with adverse oral health outcomes among children and young adults with cerebral palsy in New Zealand. Design A cross‐sectional, observational survey of 90 individuals with CP (aged 0–26 years) collected data on oral health behaviours, experiences, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS). Results Sixty‐one (69%) reported teeth‐brushing twice a day, 84 (94%) using age‐appropriate fluoride toothpaste and 73 (85%) seeing a dental professional in the last 2 years. Difficulty keeping teeth clean was reported by 36 (41%) of participants and associated with ‘poor’ oral health ( p < 0.001); toothache ≤ 12 months ( p = 0.032); bad breath ( p < 0.001) and bleeding gums ≤ 4 weeks ( p < 0.001). Difficulty keeping teeth clean was more commonly reported for participants classified as GMFCS IV–V [19 (59%), p = 0.005] and EDACS III–V [12 (60%), p = 0.034]. Conclusion Difficulty keeping teeth clean was commonly reported by individuals with greater physical and swallowing limitations and observed with indicators of adverse oral health. Targeted, family‐centred strategies are needed to support effective oral hygiene in this population.