Dental caries and salivary immunoglobulin A in Down syndrome children

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between dental caries and the salivary Streptococcus mutans specific antibodies in Down syndrome children. Methods: Nineteen children with Down syndrome and 41 normal children aged 8-17 years were selected. The oral health status (dental caries experience, pit and fissure depth, dental arch space, and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index) was examined and unstimulated saliva was collected. The total salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) and S. mutans specific salivary IgA concentrations were measured using ELISA. Results: The decayed and filled surface index of the deciduous teeth, and the decayed, missing, and filled surfaces index of the permanent teeth in Down syndrome children were significantly lower compared to those in normal children. The salivary S. mutans (serotype g and c) specific IgA concentrations were significantly higher in Down syndrome children than in the normal children. There was no significant difference in the tooth characteristics and oral hygiene between the two groups. Conclusions: The low caries prevalence in Down syndrome children appears to be due to immune protection caused by the elevated salivary S. mutans specific IgA concentrations.