News Release

Oral pathogens put children with Down syndrome at high risk for severe early-onset periodontal disease

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Academy of Periodontology

CHICAGO -- Severe periodontal inflammation is often seen in children with Down syndrome (DS). A study released today in the February issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that various periodontal bacteria colonize in the early childhood of people with DS. And, P. gingivalis, a type of bacteria with a strong correlation to severe periodontal disease, increases in prevalence with age in those with DS, playing an important role in the onset of periodontal disease.

"We suspect that several factors make people with Down syndrome susceptible to periodontal bacteria colonization and dangerous plaque formation," said the study's lead researcher, Atsuo Amano, D.D.S., Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Dentistry for the Disabled at Osaka University in Japan. "They have less immunity, experience deterioration in the mouth due to premature aging and often have inadequate oral hygiene. In addition, they are apt to have various congenital deformities in the mouth, such as short teeth, a small oral cavity, displaced and missing teeth, defective tooth enamel and fragile gingival tissue."

While children with DS often exhibit inflammation of the gum tissue, researchers on this study believe they maintain enough immunity to protect them from severe periodontal destruction until they reach their late teens or early 20s. "Our investigation found that significant periodontal breakdown starts around age 20 in about 60 percent of individuals with DS," said Amano.

However, Amano stresses that proper oral hygiene in these children can make a big difference in warding off periodontal disease and protecting the teeth. "Plaque control is the most effective strategy in preventing periodontal disease in the DS population," he said. He recommends parents seek education from their dental professionals on proper brushing and flossing techniques and tools that may make this easier, such as electric toothbrushes. In addition, DS patients may require more frequent visits to their dental professional.

February is National Children's Dental Health month. The American Academy of Periodontology is encouraging parents of children with DS to see a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation. "Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment and protecting against loss of teeth," said Jack Caton, D.D.S., M.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

In addition, all children should receive a periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visit. Although there is a much lower prevalence of severe periodontal disease in children than adults, severe forms of periodontal disease do occur in some children. As these forms progress quickly, early diagnosis is key in maintaining oral health.

A referral to a periodontist or a free brochure titled Caring For Your Child's Teeth and Gums is available by calling 1-800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.

The AAP is a 7,000-member organization of dentists specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tissues surrounding the teeth and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontics is recognized as a dental specialty by the American Dental Association.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: For a copy of the study "Periodontopathic Bacteria in Children with Down Syndrome," contact Amanda Widtfeldt (312/573-3243, amanda@perio.org)


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