title: Oral health condition and treatment needs of a group of Nigerian individuals with Down syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was carried out to determine the oral health condition and treatment needs of a group of individuals with Down syndrome in Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were examined for oral hygiene status, dental caries, malocclusion, hypoplasia, missing teeth, crowding and treatment needs. Findings were compared with controls across age group, sex and educational background of parents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants with Down syndrome had poorer oral hygiene than controls, with no significant sex difference. Oral hygiene was similar in the lower age groups but deteriorated with age in the Down syndrome group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individuals with Down syndrome in Nigeria have poorer oral health and more treatment needs than controls. They would benefit from frequent oral health assessment.
authors: Department of Child Dental Health, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria. fola_ored@yahoo.com
authors: Folakemi A
authors: FA
authors: Oredugba
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D003752:Dental Health Services; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009909:Oral Health; D009910:Oral Hygiene