Association between digital device dependency and oral health outcomes in children with speech delay: a cross-sectional observational study

Background: Excessive digital device exposure may influence feeding behaviours and oral hygiene practices, potentially affecting oral health in children with speech delay. This study aimed to evaluate the association between digital device dependency and oral health outcomes in children with speech delay. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 112 children aged 3–6 years with clinically diagnosed speech delay attending speech clinics and the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry from August 2024 to April 2025. Participants were categorized into a control group (Group A; limited digital device exposure) and a study group (Group B; high digital device exposure) using a structured parent-reported questionnaire. Feeding practices, oral hygiene behaviours, and dental visit patterns were recorded. Clinical examination assessed Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Gingival Index, and deft scores. Data were analysed using the independent t-test, Chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation analysis; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Children with higher digital device exposure had significantly higher OHI-S, Gingival Index, and deft scores (p < 0.05). Food pouching (87.5% vs. 42.9%) and eating during digital device use were significantly more prevalent in the study group. Among the study group, 39.3% always and 30.4% frequently used digital devices during meals, whereas 42.9% of controls never did so. Oral malodour was more frequent in the study group (82.1% vs. 33.9%). Screen time showed strong positive correlations with OHI-S and deft scores and a moderate correlation with gingival inflammation. Dental visit patterns did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Higher digital device exposure was associated with poorer oral hygiene, increased gingival inflammation, and greater caries experience among children with speech delay. Assessment of digital device use and related lifestyle behaviours should be incorporated into routine paediatric dental history taking.

Child behaviour; Dental caries; Digital device exposure; Feeding behaviour; Oral health; Paediatric dentistry; Speech delay

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