Down Syndrome and Periodontal Disease

Oral microbiome in down syndrome and its implications on oral health

“…We found significant differences between DS and matched control samples in the abundances of a number of key genera of bacteria that are complicit in the pathogenesis of some oral diseases, particularly periodontitis. This follows with the increased incidence of periodontal disease in DS [ 15–20 ], which has been posited to result from a number of factors, including diminished salivary flow leading to a reduced immune response in the oral cavity [ 22 , 47–49 ], as well as difficulties in dental treatment [ 29 , 50 , 51 ].…”

“…First observations pointed to an excessive inflammatory response of the gums followed by manifestations of aggressive and/or early-onset periodontitis, characterized by high plaque formation and increased presence of pathogenic species (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Eikenella corrodens, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola , and Campylobacter rectus ) when compared with age-matched control groups and age-matched groups with intellectual disability [ 21 ]. The early periodontal colonizers in DS are facilitated by a combination of lower salivary flow rate, limited antibody production in the saliva, and neutrophils with impaired chemotaxis which prevents the immune cells from reaching target pathogens [ 22 ]. Several studies have focused on identifying factors influencing the onset of aggressive variants of oral diseases that often affect youths and adults with DS, such as destructive forms of periodontitis [ 23 , 24 ].…”

From understanding to action: Exploring molecular connections of Down syndrome to Alzheimer's disease for targeted therapeutic approach

“…Whereas Hsa21p comprises tandemly repeated redundant ribosomal RNA genes, no clinical consequences are noted in the case of an unbalanced p arm. 53 , 54 , 55 …”