Abstract

SOUZA, Rafael Celestino de  and  GIOVANI, Elcio Magdalena. Salivary indicators and the caries risk in Down Syndrome using Cariogram software. Rev. Bras. Odontol. [online]. 2016, vol.73, n.1, pp. 47-54. ISSN 1984-3747.

The aim of this study was to analyze the caries risk in Down Syndrome individuals (SD) using the Cariogram® software and salivary parameters. We considered a sample of 124 patients aged 6-52 years, 62 with SD and 62 without the syndrome (controls). Data were also collected on diet, use of fluoride, saliva pH, buffer capacity and Streptococcus mutans count. The results were that the SD patients had a higher plaque index, lower buffering capacity and reduced salivary flow. A higher prevalence of hyposalivation, showing a moderate association with DMFT and plaque index. In the Cariogram® analysis we found a high risk of caries in these patients, and given the importance and ease of this method of diagnosis, we suggest that its use be established as an important tool in facilitating the control of caries in Down syndrome individuals.

Keywords : cárie; saliva; Síndrome de Down; Streptococcus mutans.; caries; saliva; Down syndrome; Streptococcus mutans..