Evaluation of Oral Hygiene Status and Periodontal Health in Mentally Retarded Subjects with or without Down's Syndrome in Comparison with Normal Healthy Individuals

Abstract

ABSTRACT AIM The aim of the study was to assess the oral hygiene status and periodontal status of Mentally Retarded, Down's syndrome and normal subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was undertaken at OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL at Vepery, Chennai, India. 150 subjects were selected. Among them 100 were Mentally Retarted, 50 were Down's Syndrome subjects. 50 healthy normal subjects were selected (Students from Madha School, Chennai, India) for comparison. All were screened for oral hygiene and periodontal status by OHI-S and CPITN index. Statistical analyasis was done by Pearsson correlation coefficient. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results showed that the Mentally Retarded and Down's Syndrome subjects had decreased prevalence rate of periodontitis.