Evaluation of a prevention and prophylaxis program for the handicapped

The growing interest regarding the importance of oral health in subjects affected with physical and psychological handicaps has led the Authors to prepare a programme of oral hygiene aiming at the prevention of dental and periodontal diseases and demanding the participation of the other members of the families, the educators and the specialized staff put at the head of their assistance. Fifty-three subjects presenting different pathologies, who have undergone elementary operations of oral hygiene, have been examined. In order to value the efficacy of these systems, DI (Debris Index), CI (Calculus Index) and OHI (Oral Hygiene Index) of Greene and Vermillion have been periodically calculated. The results obtained have been encouraging and have emphasized the importance of the behaviour of family and institutions towards people with physical and psychological handicaps, in order to let a project of primary prevention succeed.