ORAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR PARENTS OR CAREGIVERS

Objective: to identify the knowledge and behavior of parents/caregivers regarding the oral health of children with cerebral palsy and their respective care. Method: research with a quantitative approach, carried out with 14 parents/caregivers of the children with cerebral palsy, most of them mothers of female children. Results: as for the participants perception, 42.8% considered that their children's oral health was regular; in relation to oral hygiene, 57.1% performed toothbrushing three times a day and 100% did not use dental floss; 71.4% of the children had a dental appointment in the last six months, and only 50% of the participants were aware of what dental caries is. Conclusion: the oral health condition of children is precarious, due to lack of knowledge and guidance from caregivers. In addition, there is a lack of trained professionals to meet the demands of this population.