Optimizing oral hygiene for children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a scoping review

Background: Children and adolescents with Down syndrome face challenges in maintaining good oral hygiene routines due to motor and cognitive limitations. This study evaluates the effectiveness of personalized oral hygiene tools and innovative approaches, focusing on custom-designed toothbrushes, to improve oral health outcomes for this population. Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted in compliance with PRISMA-ScR criteria. Keywords related to oral hygiene, toothbrushes, and Down syndrome were used to search 6 databases. Articles on toothbrushing and oral hygiene interventions for children and adolescents with Down syndrome published between 2019 and 2023 were included in the review. Results: The search retrieved 233 studies; 28 duplicates were removed, leaving 205 entries. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 198 records were eliminated based on title and abstract screening, leaving 7 publications for further screening and, ultimately, 4 for review. These 4 studies evaluated a range of therapies, including special needs toothbrushes, toothbrushes with adapted grips, and innovations such as the Digital Brush. Discussion: Customized oral hygiene tools were found to enhance plaque control and gum health in children and adolescents with Down syndrome. The findings emphasize the importance of a flexible and diverse approach to oral hygiene programs, advocating for ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration among parents, nurses, and oral health professionals. Conclusions: Personalized oral hygiene tools, such as toothbrushes with adjusted handles, significantly improve plaque control and gum health in children and adolescents with Down syndrome. The study highlights the necessity of a varied approach in oral hygiene programs and calls for further research to quantify these benefits. © 2025 Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.