Periodontal Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Down Syndrome

A BSTRACT Background: Children with down syndrome (DS) often experience a higher prevalence and severity of periodontal disease compared to typically developing children. This can negatively impact their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Objective: This study aimed to assess the periodontal status and OHRQoL in children with DS and investigate the association between these factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 50 children with DS and 50 age-matched typically developing children. Periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depths (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were recorded. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Child-OIDP questionnaire. Results: Children with DS exhibited significantly higher PI scores (mean difference = 0.85, P < 0.001), GI scores (mean difference = 0.62, P < 0.001), PPD (mean difference = 1.2 mm, P < 0.001), and CAL (mean difference = 0.9 mm, P < 0.001) compared to the control group. OHRQoL scores were significantly lower in the DS group (mean difference = –7.5, P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between PPD and OHRQoL scores (b = –0.62, P < 0.001), indicating that greater periodontal disease severity was associated with poorer OHRQoL. Conclusion: This study confirms that children with DS experience compromised periodontal health and reduced OHRQoL. These findings emphasize the need for early and comprehensive oral healthcare interventions to improve both periodontal health and overall well-being in this population.