Journal of dental sciences
Routine dental scaling and reduced risk of serious infections in individuals with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy: A nationwide population-based cohort study
By Ou-Yang LW, Huang YT, Chang YT and 4 others.
Abstract
Background/purpose
Individuals with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy (CP) are highly susceptible to serious infections. Oral biofilms may serve as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms, yet the impact of professional oral healthcare on systemic infection risk in this population remains unclear. This study investigated the association between routine dental scaling and the risk of serious infections and infection-related mortality among individuals with moderate-to-severe CP.
Materials and methods
This nationwide, population-based cohort study used data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and National Death Registry (2009-2019). Individuals with moderate-to-severe CP were categorized into a routine dental scaling group (≥1 scaling annually for three consecutive years) and a non-scaling group. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed. The primary outcome was overall serious infection, defined as a composite of pneumonia, cellulitis or soft tissue infection, sepsis, acute gastroenteritis, and other major infections. Fine-Gray models were used to estimate infection risk accounting for competing mortality, and Cox proportional hazards models were applied for infection-related mortality over a 5-year follow up.