Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: September | Volume: 9 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 309-315
The Prevalence of Oral and Dental Anomalies in Down syndrome Children in Western Region, Saudi Arabia
Hoda Fansa1, Rabab I Salama2, Sahab Filfilan3
1Associate Professor of Oral Biology, Department Of Basic and Clinic Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Umm Al Qura University,
2Assistant Professor of Dental Public Health, Department Of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Umm Al Qura University,
3Bachelor Degree in Dental Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Umm Al-Qura University,
Corresponding Author: Hoda Fansa
ABSTRACT
Background: Down syndrome is a genetic alteration that the affected individuals carry an extra chromosome 21. These individuals have mental, physical and chronic medical conditions that require health care than normal individuals. There is a unique combination of dentofacial anomalies in Down syndrome individuals. All these factors and in addition to the lack of manual dexterity could compromise their adequate oral cleaning. Thus, these children are prone to various oral diseases that require early detection and treatment.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of some selected oral and dental anomalies in Down syndrome children in Makkah and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
and Methods: A sample of fifty Down syndrome (group I) Saudi children, age ranging between 4-14 years was subjected to an intraoral examination for some selected oral and dental anomalies. The control group (group II) includes fifty Saudi healthy children of both genders with matching age range. Examinations were carried-out using disposable intra- oral mirror attached to an intra-oral LED light. The findings were determined and compared to healthy children using the appropriate statistical descriptive analysis.
Results: All Down syndrome children had one or more of oral and dental anomalies Macroglossia (94%) was the most prevalent anomaly, followed by narrow palatal vault (76%) and fissured tongue (74%).
Conclusion: Down syndrome children had generally a higher prevalence of oral anomalies and dental anomalies compared to normal children. Early identification of these clinical conditions allows dental treatment to be adequately planned before being executed.
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