Caries Experience Associated with Attention – Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder
Michael Todd Grooms DDS,MS / Martha Ann Keels DDS, PhD /
Michael W. Roberts DDS, MScD * / F. Thomas McIver DDS, MS

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had a total caries experience that was equivalent to children without the disorder.
Methods:
The test sample included children ages 6 to 10 years old diagnosed with ADHD by physicians at Duke University Medical Center. The control group also included healthy children 6 to 10 years old without the diagnosis of ADHD. A visual dental exam for caries was performed and a sample of whole, unstimulated saliva was collected. The parent / guardian of each participant completed a health/medication history and a questionnaire concerning the child’s oral health and habits, daily routine, and demographic information.
Results:
Wilcoxon and chi-square tests showed that children with ADHD have significantly more enamel caries in the primary and permanent dentitions and a significantly higher prevalence of total caries experience when compared to controls. There was no significant difference in whole saliva production between the ADHD children and the controls.
Conclusions:
Dentists should be aware that children with ADHD are at higher risk for caries.