Periodontal conditions in mentally retarded children

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the standard of oral hygiene and periodontal health among institutionalized and non-institutionalized mentally retarded children with and without Down's syndrome in relation to dental care and socioeconomic status. A total of 329 persons, 6-19 yr old, were examined. In general, oral hygiene and periodontal health were poor and most of the children had gingival bleeding. The best, as well as the poorest, oral hygiene and periodontal health was found among subjects living at home. Children with Down's syndrome had less plaque and calculus but, in spite of this, a tendency to more gingivitis than others. Individuals who had their teeth brushed every day under teacher supervision had better periodontal health than others. Furthermore this study indicates a relationship between socioeconomic status and periodontal conditions.