Evaluation of the relationship between caries-experience and nutrients intake in children with down's syndrome

Abstract EN

Background : Lower caries – experience in Down's syndrome individuals was determined.

The precise cause is still unclear.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the nutrients consumed in diet and their relations to caries-experience among Down's syndrome children in comparison to normal children.

Materials and Methods : Fifty institutionalized children with Down's syndrome and 50 normal children aged 7-10 years old were included in this study.

DMFS and dmfs indices were assessed according to Muhlemann's criteria.

The dietary history was assessed through the use of food frequency questionnaire, it consists of food items commonly consumed in Iraq, and this was achieved from the Nutrition Research Institution in Baghdad province.

All data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.

Results : The DMFS and dmfs scores were significantly lower in Down's syndrome children than the control group (P < 0.01, P< 0.001 respectively).

The mean daily intake of protein (gm) was slightly higher among the control group compared to the study group (P > 0.05), while calcium (mg) was highly consumed by Down's syndrome children (P> 0.05).

Vitamin C (mg) was significantly higher in consumption among Down's syndrome children than control group (P< 0.01).

Conclusion : The effect of most of nutrients intake on caries – experience of primary teeth was seems to be similar among Down's syndrome and normal children.