Oral health care in children with Down syndrome: Indian parents’ perceptions on its impact, and challenges faced

Objectives The study explored parents’ perception regarding the impact of Down syndrome on oral health and the challenges faced in availing dental care for their children. Material and Methods Interviews were conducted with the parents and oral health care providers (OHCP). A questionnaire was developed and shared as a Google Form amongst participants. The sections of the questionnaire were as follows: Demographics (nine questions), schooling (three questions), general health of the child (four questions), oral health (nine questions), impact on quality of life, and barriers faced (eight questions) and the last section open-ended. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and expressed in numbers and percentages. Results Although 60% of parents reported their child’s oral health as good, the quality of life was affected by lack of clarity of speech (65.1%), presence of cavities (35.4%), difficulty in chewing (34.9%), distress due to toothache (19.5%), and absence from school (8.2%). About 24% of respondents reported that they had not visited a dentist yet. About 31.3% of parents reported that they are not able to find oral health care facilities catering to special needs, and 19% reported that they had to travel a long distance to see a dentist. Parents expressed that the OHCP should be trained to handle special patients (77.9%) and should show empathy (60%). About 48.2% of the parents expressed their concern that their child’s pediatrician never informed them about oral health care, nor referred them to a dentist for consultation. Financial restraints were also a barrier to good oral care. Conclusion Accessibility to oral health care facilities with trained OHCPs for special patients was a major challenge faced, and pediatricians should be made aware to refer children to OHCPs at early diagnosis and timely intervention.