Purpose: The objective of the present study was to assess the oral hygiene and gingival health status among Yemeni children
with Down syndrome. Materials and Methods: The study sample comprised 101 children with Down syndrome attending
special needs schools in Sana’a, Yemen. The calculus index (CI), plaque index (PI), and the gingival index (GI) were used
to assess oral hygiene and gingival health status. Results: All subjects had gingivitis; the mean CI, PI, and GI scores were
0.58 ± 0.61, 1.45 ± 0.57, and 1.54 ± 0.64, respectively, with no significant difference found across gender. Stepwise linear
regression analysis revealed that the best predictors in the descending order for CI were age and mother’s education, and the
best predictors for PI were IQ level, age, and father’s education. Having severe mental retardation, older age, less educated
parents were the most important predictors for poor gingival health status. Conclusions: These findings show that children
with Down syndrome have poor oral hygiene and high levels of periodontal diseases. Hence, appropriate oral health
education should be tailored to the needs of these children with the support of their teachers and parents.