Why is periodontal disease more prevalent and more severe in people with Down syndrome?

Periodontal disease has been found to be significantly more prevalent and more severe in people with Down syndrome. A series of studies have reported a prevalence of between 58% and 96% for persons younger than 35 years of age. This phenomenon cannot simply be attributed to poor oral hygiene. The etiology of periodontal disease in persons with Down syndrome is complex. In recent years, much focus has been placed on the altered immune response resulting from the underlying genetic disorder. This paper presents an overview of contemporary knowledge on periodontal disease in patients with Down syndrome.