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.