Correlations between Chronological Ages and Dental Ages on a Group of Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Background: The number of studies on oral complications in children with Down syndrome is substantial, but they are focused rather on the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and hypodontia. The relationship between Down syndrome and dental eruption has been rarely approached. The causes of delayed eruption in children with Down syndrome are incompletely elucidated due to the incomplete identification of the factors that intervene in the physiological process of dental eruption.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the correlation between Down syndrome and the delayed eruption of permanent teeth, in relation to the chronological age, in this category of patients.

Material and methods: The study group included 94 children with mixed dentition, of ages between 6 and 12 years: 36 children with Down syndrome and 58 healthy children. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed, focusing on the relation between dental age and chronological age.

Results: The presence of Down syndrome in children has a significant influence (p <0.001) on the delayed eruption of permanent teeth, considering the chronological age, compared to healthy children. The weighted average of this delay in our study group was 1.27.

Conclusions: It is necessary to monitor children with Down syndrome for an extended period of time, in order to ensure a high quality of life and to optimize their health as much as possible.