Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontics, school of dentistry, Birjand University of medical sciences, Birjand, Iran.
2
Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
3
Student Research committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
4
Student Research committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
5
Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
6
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
10.30468/beyhagh.2026.1854
Abstract
Background and Aims: Diet, medications, and physical limitations can lead to tooth decay and increased oral diseases in individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. This study examined the facial dimensions and oral health status in this population.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 patients (aged 15-50 years) with physical and mental disabilities. The anthropometric dimensions of the face were measured from color print photographs using a digital caliper (30cm) and compared with the Farkas table standards. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index was obtained by examining the extent of decay, filling, and the number of lost teeth. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software and independent samples t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of α<0.05.
Results: The mean DMFT index was 17.94±1.89, with no gender difference (P=0.631) but significant age-related differences (P=0.002). Men had significantly larger nasal width, height, protrusion, lip lengths, chin height, face width, anatomical face height, mandibular height, and maxillary depth (P<0.05). Chin height and mandibular depth varied significantly by age (P<0.05). In both genders, most facial measurements were below normal averages, except for outer eye distance, eye width, nasal width, and chin height, which were above average.
Conclusion: The study found that the DMFT index rises with age in individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Their facial anthropometric dimensions differ from those of typical individuals, with men having larger dimensions than women, and these dimensions change with age in both genders.
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