Functional Independence Related to Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Status in Patients With Down Syndrome

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between functional independence, oral hygiene habits and periodontal status in patients with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 49 patients with Down Syndrome. Sociodemographic data, oral hygiene habits and functional independence were collected. The periodontal assessment included: probing depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and Visible Plaque Index (VPI). A structural equation model was used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Regarding functional independence, higher frequencies of self-care skills were observed for eating (91.8%), using the bathroom (91.8%) and dressing (85.7%) and using the phone alone (53.1%). The experience of oral hygiene guidance contributed to an increase in the daily frequency of brushing (SRC = 0.280, SE = 0.134, p = 0.036). It was noted that the older the individual, the greater the impairment of the periodontal condition (p < 0.001). It was observed that greater functional independence was associated with less periodontal compromise. CONCLUSION: A greater functional independence is related to a better periodontal status. These study findings indicate that the development of self-care skills seems to be a positive strategy for the oral health of DS patients.