Dental Anomalies & Oral Health Status in Down Syndrome Patients

Objective: The present study was conduced with an aim to evaluate the oral health status of Day care registered Down syndrome individuals of Lahore, Pakistan. To record the oral and dental anomalies and oral hygiene habits of these individuals and to find out the correlation between their oro-dental anomalies and oral health status. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the seven special day care institutions of Lahore. Oral and dental anomalies were recorded as present or absent. Simplified oral hygiene index was used for recording oral hygiene, DMFT for recording dental caries and CPI (community periodontal index) index for recording periodontal disease. Results: Mouth breathing with drooling, and everted lower lip was related to fissured tongue. The above factors along with tongue thrusting were associated with angular chelitis. Malocclusion and TMJ dysfunction were related to each other and mouth breathing with drooling, tongue thrusting, angular chelitis, macroglossia and bruxism. 25% of the study population did not brush their teeth. Ninety nine percent of the DS subjects had diseased periodontium. Oral hygiene status, frequency of brushing, help received during brushing and maternal factors all had an effect on oral hygiene status and periodontal status of these individuals. Dental caries was observed in 68% of DS subjects. Conclusion: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have poor oral health status. The oral and dental anomalies were significantly related to oral hygiene habits and oral health status of individuals with DS.