DENTAL CARIES AND ORAL HYGIENE IN VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE

Abstract

This paper addresses the prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired individuals, highlighting the challenges this population faces in maintaining oral hygiene due to the lack of visual feedback and limited access to adapted information. Objective: The objective is to analyze the obstacles faced by blind individuals in oral hygiene and investigate possible interventions to improve their oral health. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using articles published between 2020 and 2024 from SciELO, PubMed, and BVS databases.     The qualitative analysis grouped studies by thematic and methodological similarities, highlighting interventions adapted for visually impaired individuals. Results: The results indicate a significantly higher prevalence of dental caries in visually impaired individuals compared to the general population, attributed to the lack of accessible educational materials and practical difficulties in brushing and flossing. Discussion: The absence of visual feedback impairs the effectiveness of oral hygiene, increasing the risk of caries. Interventions, such as the use of assistive technologies and adapted educational materials, have shown promise in improving these individuals' autonomy. Conclusion: It is concluded that the adaptation of oral health education programs and the training of professionals are essential to promote effective inclusion in dentistry, aiming to improve the quality of life for visually impaired individuals