Oral hygiene practices and dietary habits among children with Down’s Syndrome in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene practices and dietary habits among a sample of children with Down’s syndrome in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to determine whether the mother’s educational level and occupational status are related to these practices and habits. Two hundred and fifty families of children with Down’s syndrome were selected for this study. These children attended three institutions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data for the study was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire distributed by the institutions principal. Two hundred and twentyfive questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 90%. The results showed that nearly 75% of the children brushed their teeth once or more daily and that about 90% used the toothbrush. Of the surveyed sample, 60% received parental help with tooth brushing, and 12% were helped by the nanny. Children of mothers with university education were found to brush their own teeth or depend on the nanny’s help (P=0.008, P=0.001 respectively). Also children of working mothers were found to brush their own teeth or rely on the nanny’s help (P=0.034, P