Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Trisomy 21 and Their Families, Associated Factors, and the Impact of Dental Interventions: A Scoping Review
Cibelle Cristina Oliveira dos Santos, Natália Cristina Ruy Carneiro, Flavia da Costa Rosa, Ana Cristina Borges‐Oliveira, Carlos Flores‐Mir, Fernanda Signorelli Calazans, Bruna Lavinas Sayed PiccianiABSTRACT
Aims
To map the evidence on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents with Trisomy 21 (T21) and their families, identifying associated factors and impact of dental interventions.
Methods and Results
This review was registered on the Open Science Framework. Five databases (MedLine/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, LILACS) and the grey literature were searched, without language or year restrictions. Two independent reviewers screened records and extracted data on study characteristics, instruments, clinical conditions, and findings. Of 618 records, eight studies met the eligibility criteria. Children and adolescents with Down syndrome (T21) had a high prevalence of caries, periodontal disease, and malocclusion associated with worse OHRQoL; untreated caries, plaque, malocclusion, and poorer periodontal indices were the strongest determinants. 30%–46% of caregivers reported negative effects on their own quality of life, amid socioeconomic vulnerability and low education. Two exploratory studies with small samples and limited or no appropriate control groups suggested possible benefits of full‐mouth rehabilitation under anesthesia and orthodontic aligner treatment.
Conclusion
Children and adolescents with Down syndrome bear a substantial burden of oral disease affecting OHRQoL, with possible effects on family members. Despite methodological limitations, these findings support incorporating OHRQoL assessment into routine care and developing inclusive oral health protocols.