Oral health condition and treatment needs of a group of Nigerian individuals with Down syndrome.
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.
Oredugba
Folakemi A
FA
Department of Child Dental Health, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria. fola_ored@yahoo.com
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