title: Oral health needs in individuals with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13: Implications for dental professionals.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine oral health needs and dental care in individuals with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 (full, mosaic, partial and other, mixed types). Primary feeding method was also examined. Data was collected from a parent-completed, mixed method survey (TRIS Survey). Mean age in months was 120.2 (range 38 to 394 months) and 133 (range 36 to 405 months), respectively, for trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 individuals. Results indicated the majority of individuals received routine dental care from their family dentist. Approximately 80% in both groups needed some form of specialized dental care. Close to 25% and 30% of trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 individuals, respectively, required hospital admission for specialized dental care. Responses indicated the presence of excessive plaque and tooth decay across the groups with a higher incidence for individuals with trisomy 13. Although not the primary form of intake, over half of the individuals received oral feedings. Implications for dental care and management are provided along with the need for additional research to confirm or disconfirm this study's findings.
authors.affiliation: Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bruns
authors.affiliation: Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL.
authors.forename: Alyssa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.affiliation: Special Education teacher, Rantoul High School, Rantoul, IL.
authors.forename: Emily All
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D002882:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13; D002887:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014314:Trisomy; D000073839:Trisomy 13 Syndrome; D000073842:Trisomy 18 Syndrome
keywords: dental care; feeding method; oral health needs; rare syndromes; trisomy 13; trisomy 18