Malocclusion in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of malocclusion in people with Down syndrome (DS) compared to individuals without DS, but no systematic review to summarize the evidence on this topic has been performed thus far. Aim To evaluate whether children/adolescents with DS are more affected by malocclusion than those without DS. Design A search was performed in seven electronic databases. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. The strength of the evidence from the selected studies was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Results Eleven publications were included in the systematic review and eight were meta‐analysed. The meta‐analysis showed that malocclusion was more prevalent in children/adolescents with DS for Angle Class III (risk difference [RD] = 0.40; confidence interval [CI] = 0.33, 0.46), posterior crossbite (risk ratio [RR] = 3.09; CI = 2.02, 4.73), anterior crossbite (RR = 2.18; CI = 1.41, 3.39), and anterior open bite (RD = 0.21; CI = 0.06, 0.36). Conclusion The occurrence of malocclusion was higher in children/adolescents with DS compared to individuals without the syndrome. The strength of the evidence of the studies analysed, however, was considered moderate and low.

Down Syndrome Children, Malocclusion Characteristics and the Need for Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN): A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The findings of the study have supported the outcomes of the current study and have mentioned that most children need orthodontic treatment. Moreover, work completed by Doriguetto et al has also supported the outcomes of the current study [14]. The present study aimed to identify malocclusion among children and adolescents suffering from Down syndrome.…”

“…Based on the previously published systematic review, findings indicated that malocclusion was more prevalent among children suffering from Down syndrome; therefore, orthodontic treatment needs are also higher among children suffering from Down syndrome. The current study is based on primary data; therefore, the study conducted by Doriguetto et al appropriately verifies the outcomes of the current study [14].…”

Medical conditions of children and young people with Down syndrome

“…A systematic review and meta‐analysis demonstrated that children and adolescents with DS have a higher prevalence of malocclusions compared with their peers without DS (Doriguêtto et al . 2019). In our study, over half (58.62%) of children and young people with DS showed malocclusions, as reported in the literature (Abdul Rahim et al .…”

Parents’ perceptions of oral health, general health and dental health care for children with Down syndrome in Sweden

“…Low muscle tone in the lips and tongue, as well as difficulties with chewing, swallowing, speech and other orofacial functions, may affect feeding ability during infancy [10]. An underdeveloped maxilla, hypodontia, narrow airways, hypotonic muscles and tongue protrusion can increase the development of malocclusions [11][12][13][14]. The risk of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and respiratory tract infections is high in children with DS compared to typically developing children [15].…”