ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN PAKISTAN

Introduction: Down Syndrome (DS) is an autosomal chromosomal abnormality that results from trisomy of chromosome 21. Aims and objectives: The basic purpose of the study is to analyse the oral health of individuals with Down syndrome in Pakistan. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Sughra Trust Hospital, Faisalabad during October 2018 to January 2019. The data was collected from 126 individuals who were suffering from Down syndrome. This data was collected for the analysis of oral health of that individuals. The data was collected through a questionnaire. This systematically designed questionnaire include all the demographic data and oral health status of participants.  Habits in oral hygiene and tooth-brushing were asked in the third part. Results: The data was collected from 126 individuals of Down syndrome. The mean age of the participants was 16.5±6.64 years. There was no statistically significant relationship between the patient's general health status and oral and dental health status (p>0.05). The gender and age wise mean OHI-S score was computed and compared. The significant difference was observed in mean OIH-S with respect to gender and age, p<0.05. Conclusion: It is concluded that making a difference in the oral health of a person with Down syndrome may go slowly at first, but determination can bring positive results.