Factors related to parents' perceptions of oral health for children with Down syndrome in Japan

Aims: To evaluate the perceptions of parents on general health, oral health, and dental care for children with Down syndrome (DS), and to investigate factors related to parents' perceptions of oral health.

Methods and results: An online questionnaire survey was conducted of parents of children with DS. Forty-three percent and 81% of the parents rated their child's oral health and general health as good, respectively. Parent-rated oral health was strongly associated with general health, followed by the parents' satisfaction with their child's dentist, halitosis, difficulty in dental examination, and the number of times they helped their child with toothbrushing. Seventy-seven percent of the parents were satisfied or rather satisfied with their child's dentist. The parents expected the dentist to reassure their child and to be specialized in the treatment of persons with disabilities. Seventy-three percent of the parents brushed their child's teeth at least once a day, and 92% brushed their own teeth at least twice a day. The number of times the parents brushed their own teeth was strongly associated with the frequency of brushing their child's teeth.

Conclusion: General health, a trusting relationship with the dentist, and parental perceptions of oral hygiene affect parent-rated oral health of children with DS.