Sialochemistry Comparison in Caries and Caries Free Down Syndrome Children

Objectives: To examine the sialochemistry and the oral mucosal pH differences between caries (C-DS) and caries free (CF-DS) children with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: The study group comprised 70 children with DS, mean age 53 ± 23.7 months (range12-108 months). Sialochemistry analysis included calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl). Mucosal pH was measured in the palate, the left and right mucosa and the tongue. Plaque and gingival indices (PI and GI) as well as caries status were recorded.

Results: Ca, Na and K were significantly higher in C-DS (p=0.016, 0.05 and 0.025 respectively). pH scores in left and right buccal mucosa, tongue and total mean pH were significantly higher in the CF-DS (p=0.01, 0.002 and 0.01 respectively).

PI and GI were significantly higher in C-DS compared to CF-DS.

Conclusions: Altogether pH and sialochemitry are different among children with DS who are CF compared to C. It appears that there is not only one key factors that affects caries incidence in DS population, and may be that the relative part of each factor will determine who is CF. These findings emphasize the difference in the oral health environment within DS population and