Journal of Disability and Oral Health
- Cover Date:
- June 2011
- Print ISSN:
- 1470-8558
- Vol:
- 12
- Issue:
- 2
Preventive strategies to improve periodontal health in people with Down syndrome
Aims and objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effects of different application of chlorhexidine as a gel (1%) and varnish (1% and 40%) on the periodontal health of a group of individuals with Down syndrome. Design: The study was a single blind, crossover, randomised trial in a group of 27 people with Down syndrome conducted over 24 months in the Dublin Dental University Hospital. Two different concentrations of chlorhexidine varnish (1% and 40%) applied 3-monthly and 6-monthly, respectively were tested. A positive control phase received no chlorhexidine varnish although all regimes were supplemented with professional prophylaxis 6-monthly and chlorhexidine gel (1%) applied at home on a daily basis. Standard periodontal indices were applied at baseline, at 3-monthly or 6-monthly intervals and after cessation of the interventions. A questionnaire to carers was used to compare attitudinal and quality of life measures between the different regimes. Results: There were significantly lower mean pocket probing depths and modified gingival indices for the control phase compared to those who received 3-monthly application of chlorhexidine varnish (1%). There was a significantly lower mean gingival bleeding index for those who received 6-monthly applications of chlorhexidine varnish (40%), compared to the control phase. Those receiving 6-monthly chlorhexidine varnish (40%) described statistically significantly higher eating scores, on the quality of life assessment, than during the control phase. Conclusions: In this group of people there were few, significant differences between concentration, formulation or frequency of application of chlorhexidine on clinical measures of periodontal disease. Chlorhexidine gel (1%) applied at home daily (along with 6-monthly professional prophylaxis) may be as effective and efficient a means of maintaining periodontal health in individuals with Down syndrome. Chlorhexidine varnish (40%) applied 6-monthly may offer some additional benefit however this regime may cause some eating difficulties.
Key words: Chlorhexidine, Down syndrome, periodontal disease, quality of life
- Article Price
- £15.00
- Institution Article Price
- £
- Page Start
- 59
- Page End
- 67
- Authors
- L Freedman, J Nunn, W Thomas, N Claffey, A Kelly
Articles from this issue
- Title
- Pg. Start
- Pg. End
- The long-term effect of a preventive programme on caries, periodontal disease and tooth mortality in individuals with Down syndrome
- 68
- 80
- Implant, surgical and prosthodontic treatment for a patient with Down syndrome - a case report
- 91
- 94