Down Syndrome Children, Malocclusion Characteristics and the Need for Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN): A Cross-Sectional Study.

Huda Alkawari

doi:10.3390/children8100888

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess the characteristics of malocclusion and determine the orthodontic treatment needs of a group of children with Down syndrome. The study group comprised 23 children aged 10–14 years with Down syndrome who were attending special schools. A clinical examination was performed to measure several parameters that assessed malocclusion as well as classifications based on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-DC). When the dental health component (DHC) of the IOTN-DC was considered, results showed that a high percentage of children involved in the current study needed orthodontic treatment (81.9%). Moreover, 59.1% showed Angle’s class-III malocclusion compared to 36.4% who showed class I. However, the differences between the IOTN-DC values for the boys and girls were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The present study has concluded that a higher percentage of children, suffering from Down syndrome, had very severe malocclusion; therefore, treatment can be considered mandatory. Similarly, more than three-fourths of the children with Down syndrome had visited a dental clinic at least once during their life. However, 30.4% of the children’s mothers have mentioned that they had not visited any orthodontic clinic. Therefore, there is a need to develop awareness and knowledge among the parents of children suffering from Down syndrome.

Highlights

IntroductionIndividuals who need special care and attention are known as special patients [1]
Individuals who need special care and attention are known as special patients [1].Most such patients include adults and children who tend to have medical issues that often make it difficult to comfortably fit into a regular dental practice
The present study aimed to identify malocclusion among children and adolescents suffering from Down syndrome

Summary

Introduction

Individuals who need special care and attention are known as special patients [1]. Most such patients include adults and children who tend to have medical issues that often make it difficult to comfortably fit into a regular dental practice. They struggle with cooperating or communicating, or suffer from physical restrictions of some form. There are a variety of special needs conditions and syndromes that may necessitate extra attention from the dentist or their team. In addition to health problems, people with Down syndrome normally experience dental issues, for example, delayed tooth eruption [2]. A routine dental examination is typically difficult for the parent and their carer, as well as the dental team

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Conclusion