Stein Duker, Leah IRichter, MarintheaLane, Christianne JPolido, José CCermak, Sharon A
Summary
Those with Down syndrome (DS) face and overcome challenges in many realms of their daily life. One of those realms is personal care such as oral care like brushing teeth at home as well as receiving care in a dental office. This study surveyed almost 400 caregivers about challenges their children with DS face. The survey contained 48 survey questions and one-third of parent respondents reported that toothbrushing was difficult, so much so that brushing occurred 4 or less days a week. Respondents indicated that oral care at home and at the dental office are both greatly impacted greatly by sensory struggles. Overall, this study indicates that children with DS experience challenges and barriers related to oral care, and more interventions and support are needed.
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the oral care experiences and challenges encountered by children with Down syndrome. Methods: Participants were 372 parents of five- to 14-year-olds with Down syndrome. Parents completed a 48-item questionnaire designed by the authors to elicit information about oral care in the home and dental office. Descriptive statistics were used to examine oral care variables. Results: Parents reported difficulty across almost all oral care variables, including oral care in the home, oral care at the dentist, and access to oral care. Approximately one-third of parent respondents reported that toothbrushing was difficult and brushing occurred four or fewer days a week. Over half of the respondents reported that it was difficult to have a dental professional clean their child's teeth, uncooperative behaviors and sensory sensitivities increased in the office, and those behaviors and sensitivities made care challenging. Most respondents reported having a dental home for their child, that it was difficult locating their dentist, and that finances limited visits. Conclusions: Children with Down syndrome experience difficulties and barriers to care in both the home and dental office settings.