Abstract:
Background: The genetic condition known as Down syndrome (DS) is brought on by chromosome 21
trisomy. Children with DS frequently have oromotor dysfunctiont. Oromotor dysfunction in children with
Down syndrome can lead to oral health issues and lower the oral health-related quality of life. Studies on
the relationship between oromotor dysfunction and quality of life related to dental health in children with
Down syndrome are still lacking, nevertheless. Objective: To analyze the correlation between oromotor
dysfunction and oral health-related quality of life in children with DS. Methods: Total respondents used
in this research was 30 children with DS and the parents in Banjarmasin Special Schools. Oromotor
dysfunction was determined using the Oral Motor Assessment Scale (OMAS) and oral health-related
quality of life was determined using the Modified Parent-Caregiver Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ).
The Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between oromotor dysfunction and
oral health related quality of life in Down syndrome children. Results: The Spearman correlation test
showed that there was a significant correlation between oromotor dysfunction and oral health-related
quality of life in children with DS with a significance value of 0.000 (p <0.05) with the correlation
coefficient of 0.637. Conclusion: There was a positive and strong correlation between oromotor
dysfunction and oral health-related quality of life in children with DS. The weaker the oromotor function
in children with Down syndrome is, the worse the oral health-related quality of life will be.
