Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status in Children With Specific Learning Disabilities

This study aims to evaluate dental caries and oral hygiene status in children aged 7-12 years with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and to compare the findings with healthy children. Clinical oral examinations, including dmft/DMFT, ICDAS II, Plaque Index, and Gingival Index assessments, will be performed. In addition, questionnaire-based evaluations of oral hygiene habits, dietary habits, and parental supervision during toothbrushing will be conducted.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 7-12 years * For the study group: diagnosis of specific learning disorder (SLD) confirmed by a psychiatrist * For the control group: confirmed healthy with no psychiatric diagnosis by a psychiatrist * Written informed consent obtained from the parent or guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Children with additional psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability) * Children with systemic disease or physical disability that may prevent participation in the study