A comparison of the sialochemistry, oral pH, and oral health status of down syndrome children to healthy children

BACKGROUND: The aetiology of low caries incidence in Down syndrome (DS) children is not entirely clear. Aim. To compare sialochemistry and oral mucosal pH between Down syndrome children with caries (DS-Ca) and caries free (DS-CaF), and healthy children with caries (C-Ca) and caries free (C-CaF). DESIGN: The study group comprised 70 children with DS (mean age 4.41 +/- 1.9 years); 32 healthy children (mean age 9.22 +/- 2.7 years) served as control. Groups were further subdivided according to caries status: DS-Ca, DS-CaF, C-Ca and C-CaF. Sialochemistry analysis included calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl). Mucosal pH, plaque and gingival indices (PI and GI), and caries status were recorded. RESULTS: DMFT/dmft were significantly lower in the DS group. Cl and Ca levels were significantly higher in the DS-Ca compared to the C-Ca and the C-CaF children. Na and K were significantly higher in DS-Ca group compared to DS-CaF group. PI and GI were significantly higher in DS-C children compared to DS-CaF children. CONCLUSIONS: DS may manifest itself in the salivary glands. Consequently, different electrolyte salivary environment may form, leading to lower caries rates among DS children.