Caries levels, Streptococcus mutans counts, salivary pH, and periodontal treatment needs of adult Down syndrome patients.

The prevalence of dental caries and periodontal treatment needs in an institutionalized Down syndrome (DS) population was examined as well as the relationship between caries prevalence, salivary pH and salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans. Twelve patients with DS, aged 20 to 48, were compared with two similar age and gender control groups: healthy, and non-Down institutionalized mentally retarded patients. The pH levels did not differ significantly among the three groups. As to periodontal needs expressed by the CPITN, the institutionalized groups had the highest needs compared with the healthy group. Down adults, who were cariesfree, had significantly lower S. mutans counts compared with the patients with caries. In addition, the cariesfree patients with DS had much lower CPITN scores compared with the patients with caries.