Oral Health Status and Salivary Levels of Mutans Streptococci in Children with Down Syndrome

Purpose: The literature on the oral health status of Down syndrome (DS) patients is controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the oral health status and levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in the saliva of DS children. Methods: This study was performed with 60 DS children and 71 non-DS children aged six to 12 years old. Caries experience, plaque index (PI), and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were recorded. Information about oral hygiene habits was obtained. Saliva samples were collected to determine MS levels. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was similar in children with and without DS. DS children had lower PI and GBI values and a higher toothbrushing frequency. Supervised toothbrushing by parents or guardians was more frequent in DS children and associated with lower PI and GBI. High counts of MS in saliva were associated with caries experience in DS children. Conclusions: Down syndrome children had a similar caries experience, lower plaque index, and lower gingival bleeding index values compared to children without Down syndrome. However, DS children who had caries were more likely to display high counts of mutans streptococci in saliva than non-DS children with caries.