Mogahid Abdelrahman Yousif, Haydar El Hadi Babikir, Magda Elhadi Ahmed
Down syndrome (DS) is congenital chromosomal disorder syndrome, (Trisomy 21) characterized by mental deficiency and growth retardation. The dent al caries and gingivitis are noticed to be more common among this group of patients, associated wi th reduced resistance to infections. This study aims to assess the prevalence of oral diseases, poor oral hygiene and associated factors, among children with trisomy 21. This cross sectional facilit y-based study was conducted in Medani School for children with special needs, in central Sudan. Th e total number recruited was 93 special-needs school pupils. Cases with trisomy 21 were 33 and all were recruited in this study. Simplified WHO basic oral health assessment tests conducted by a dentist, were used to assess; (i) DMFT (ii) calculus deposit and calculus index (Oral Hygiene Index) and (iii) Gingivi tis and periodontal index. Male: female ratio was 2:1.3. Parents were mainly unskillf ul workers and house-wives. Dental plaque was reported in 100% of cases, calculus in 26 (78.8%), gingivitis in 26 (78. 8%), periodontitis in 10 (30.3%) and dental caries (100%). Delayed tooth eruption was reported in 13 (39.4%) of cases. Dental plaque index was 0.84%, calculus index was 0.55 and oral hygiene index w as 1.39. This study showed a high prevalence of poor oral hygiene among children with DS. Many factors were incriminated. Raising awareness and involvement in care of oral hygiene by mothers and school staff is highly recommended
Share this article