Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

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

  1. Editorial
  2. 50
  3. 50

  1. Professional attitudes towards disability in special care dentistry
  2. 51
  3. 58

  1. Preventive strategies to improve periodontal health in people with Down syndrome
  2. 59
  3. 67

  1. The long-term effect of a preventive programme on caries, periodontal disease and tooth mortality in individuals with Down syndrome
  2. 68
  3. 80

  1. Comparative oral health of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and controls
  2. 81
  3. 87

  1. Implant, surgical and prosthodontic treatment for a patient with Down syndrome - a case report
  2. 91
  3. 94

  1. Diary Dates 2011
  2. 96
  3. 96

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