Received by the Editorial Office: 12.05.2026
Accepted for publication: 24.05.2026
Published online: 30.06.2026
UDC: 616.31-053.2-07-084:616.31-007.1-053.2
DOI: 10.70113/1815-9443.2026.73.41.009
COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ORAL HEALTH STATUS AND RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORAL PATHOLOGIES IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Bainazarova N.Тˡ., Orakbay L.Zhˡ., Yermukhanova G.Т.², Zhumabayeva K.Zh.¹*, Musaev B.S¹., Bidaibekov S.S.1
1Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Kazakhstan, Almaty
2 Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan, Almaty
* Corresponding author
Introduction. Children with Down syndrome are at high risk of oral diseases due to a combination of anatomical, functional, immunological, behavioral, and social factors. Difficulties in maintaining independent oral hygiene, delayed tooth eruption, dentofacial anomalies, macroglossia, and limited access to specialized dental care increase the risk of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and other oral pathologies.
Objective. To conduct a comprehensive assessment of oral health status and risk factors for the development of oral pathologies in children with Down syndrome and to justify the need for targeted preventive measures.
Materials and Methods. A clinical dental examination was conducted among 150 children with Down syndrome aged 3 to 18 years living in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Clinical data were collected in 2024–2025 in cooperation with the “Kün Bala” Public Foundation, the Department of Dentistry of the Kazakhstan-Russian Medical University, and Nurzhamal Dentistry LLP. The condition of hard dental tissues, periodontal tissues, oral hygiene level, dentofacial anomalies, congenital orofacial abnormalities, and tooth eruption disorders was assessed. Oral hygiene was evaluated using Q-scan Plus fluorescence diagnostics and the OHI-S index. A questionnaire survey of parents and legal representatives was also conducted.
Results. Most examined children demonstrated unfavorable oral health indicators. Dental caries and its complications were diagnosed in 72.6% of children, non-carious lesions of hard dental tissues in 42.6%, partial edentulism in 30%, hypersalivation in 91.3%, dentofacial anomalies in 60.7%, delayed tooth eruption in 68.7%, periodontal tissue diseases in 22.7%, and glossitis in 45.3%. Among congenital orofacial anomalies, high arched palate, microdontia, macroglossia, and jaw underdevelopment were identified. According to Q-scan data, the median index value was 3, corresponding mainly to poor and unsatisfactory oral hygiene. Poor and very poor oral hygiene levels were recorded in 54.0% of the examined children. The parental survey showed that only 30.7% of children were under regular dispensary follow-up, while difficult adaptation to dental appointments was reported in 66.4% of children.
Conclusion. Children with Down syndrome demonstrated a high prevalence of oral diseases and risk factors, including poor oral hygiene, dental caries, non-carious lesions, dentofacial anomalies, tooth eruption disorders, and insufficient organized prevention. The findings support the need to develop specialized preventive programs adapted to the needs of children with Down syndrome, involving dentists, pediatricians, neurologists, speech therapists, parents, and legal representatives.
Keywords: children, Down syndrome, oral health, dental caries, periodontal diseases, dentofacial anomalies, Q-scan, prevention.
