Risk Factors for Periodontitis and Caries in a Patient with Down's Syndrome

Description

A patient with Down's syndrome (Trisomy 21) may be at increased risk for periodontitis and caries. Identification of a patient at risk means that preventive measures can be taken before serious problems arise. Good oral health can improve the quality of life for the patient with Down's syndrome.

Factor	Increased Risk	Decreased Risk
severity of mental retardation	severe	mild
personal oral hygiene	poor	good
dental care	poor	good, with sealant applied to teeth
diabetes	present	absent
family economic status	low	high
diet	unregulated with sugary drinks	limited with reduced intake of items promoting caries

The presence of cardiac malformations may place a patient with poor oral health at increased risk for endocarditis associated with bacteremia.

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Risk Factors for Periodontitis and Caries in a Patient with Down's Syndrome

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