Down Syndrome – Trisomy of Chromosome 21: Medical Considerations, Physiological, and Oral Health Perspectives
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the intricate physical, systemic, and stomatological characteristics of individuals with Down Syndrome, a condition characterized by trisomy 21, known for its unique features that can influence dental treatment protocols. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenient sample of 42 individuals aged between 0 and 18 years with Down Syndrome. The participants underwent structured interviews with caregivers, medical history assessments, physical examinations to evaluate systemic and physical conditions, as well as oral health evaluations encompassing the visible biofilm index, gingival condition, ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System), and INI (Invasive Treatment Need Index). Results: The research sample revealed a plethora of characteristics, including a high prevalence of respiratory diseases (71.4%), overweight or obesity (59.5%), heart disease (57.1%), obstructive sleep apnea (54.8%), behavioral challenges during care (61.9%), cleaning difficulties (40.5%), macroglossia (69%), bruxism (61.9%), suboptimal biofilm index, varying degrees of gingivitis, and a low incidence of dental caries. Conclusion: Patients with Down Syndrome showcased specific physical, systemic, and stomatological traits that can markedly influence oral health status, oral hygiene routines, and behavior during dental procedures. This emphasizes the critical importance of dentists possessing an in-depth understanding to implement tailored management strategies aimed at enhancing the overall health and well-being of these unique individuals.
