Oral hygiene and gingival health status of children with Down syndrome in Yemen: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to assess the oral hygiene and gingival health status among Yemeni children with Down syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 101 children with Down syndrome attending special needs schools in Sana’a, Yemen. The calculus index (CI), plaque index (PI), and the gingival index (GI) were used to assess oral hygiene and gingival health status. RESULTS: All subjects had gingivitis; the mean CI, PI, and GI scores were 0.58 ± 0.61, 1.45 ± 0.57, and 1.54 ± 0.64, respectively, with no significant difference found across gender. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that the best predictors in the descending order for CI were age and mother's education, and the best predictors for PI were IQ level, age, and father's education. Having severe mental retardation, older age, less educated parents were the most important predictors for poor gingival health status. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that children with Down syndrome have poor oral hygiene and high levels of periodontal diseases. Hence, appropriate oral health education should be tailored to the needs of these children with the support of their teachers and parents.