Some factors associated with dental caries in the primary dentition of children with Down syndrome

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ABSTRACT

Aim

It is well reported in the scientific literature that there is a high level of periodontal disease and lower caries
prevalence in Down Syndrome (DS) individuals, when compared with age-matched non DS individuals. This study was
conducted to investigate the process of dental caries in DS children.

Methods

In this study the following
parameters were considered: oral hygiene habits, levels of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus spp. (LB), Modified
Gingival Index (MGI), and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). A case group with DS children (n=69) and a control group
of non DS children (n=69) were formed to perform this study. Dental caries severity was determined using the DMFT index.
Samples of non-stimulated saliva were collected to determine the Lactobacillus spp levels. For SM levels, MSB agar plates
were used.

Results

The findings revealed that the case group attended dental check-ups more frequently, brushed their
teeth more times per day, flossed less, and also more frequently had SM levels classified as high count. The MGI was
higher and the OHI-S was lower than the control group (p<0.001).

Conclusion

No significant differences were found
between the DMFT indexes of children from the two groups (p=0.345). The logistic regression analysis showed that in the
case group, age, MGI, and SM count were positively related to dental caries (p<0.05).

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