This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial International License
(CC BY-NC 4.0).
Background and Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood and
is frequently associated with comorbidities that complicate oral health maintenance. Methods: This cross-sectional
study was conducted at the Heleena Center in Erbil city to assess intraoral soft tissue health and identify influencing
factors among 125 pediatric CP patients. Data collection included demographic and medical history, caregiver
interviews on oral hygiene practices and dietary habits, and comprehensive clinical examination covering gingival
status, plaque accumulation, oral mucosal lesions, drooling, swallowing function, and tonsillar hypertrophy. Results:
Findings revealed a high burden of oral disease: 91.2% of participants exhibited gingival overgrowth, more than 70%
presented with moderate to severe gingival inflammation, and none were plaque-free. Nutritional deficiencies, drooling (present in 94.4%), and dysphagia (54.4%) were common. Long-term medication use, particularly antiepileptics, was reported in 66.4% of children and strongly associated with gingival enlargement and xerostomia. Caregiver educational level varied widely, with nearly half having low educational attainment, directly influencing the adequacy of oral care provided. The study demonstrates that poor intraoral soft tissue health in CP children is multifactorial, stemming from inadequate oral hygiene, modified dietary patterns, systemic comorbidities, and medication side effects. Conclusion:
These findings underscore the urgent need for multidisciplinary preventive strategies, including individualized oral
hygiene programs, caregiver education, dietary counseling, and regular professional monitoring. Early intervention and coordinated care may significantly improve both oral health and overall quality of life for children with CP.