Playful strategies to improve oral health hygiene in a population with down syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this research was to implement playful strategies to improve the oral hygiene of the population with Down Syndrome (DS) in the CINDES Foundation in the city of Pereira during the 2017-2 period. Method: The research adopted a qualitative approach analyzing the social world according to the own reality and experience of 12 people diagnosed with DS and their parents or caregivers, observing them in their natural environment and analyzing their previous skills regarding oral hygiene techniques. The method applied was action research and playful strategies. Observation and field diaries were used as research techniques. Results: In the majority of the population with DS and their parents or caregivers, it was evidenced that their initial level of knowledge was mediocre due to insufficient time during brushing, lack of use of dental floss and bad behavior during brushing. With the application of playful strategies, it was possible for people with Down Syndrome to learn to identify the structures of the oral cavity, of oral hygiene implements and the risks of not performing adequate oral care. In addition, they improved the execution of the brushing technique and some autonomy was generated. Conclusions: It was possible to show the effectiveness of the implementation of playful strategies as an crucial tool to achieve meaningful learning.