What is more likely in a patient with Down's syndrome compared to the general population?

In patients with Down's syndrome, macroglossia is more prevalent than in the general population, making it a significant characteristic associated with this condition. This enlarged tongue can impact oral and dental health in various ways, such as influencing dental arch development, leading to crowding of teeth, and affecting speech. Macroglossia can also make it more challenging for patients to maintain oral hygiene due to difficulties in cleaning the teeth properly, potentially leading to other oral health issues.

While congenitally missing teeth is indeed a condition noted among individuals with Down's syndrome, it is not as commonly referenced as macroglossia. Similarly, a higher incidence of caries is seen in many individuals with cognitive delays, but it is not a definitive characteristic of Down's syndrome compared to the general population. Normal neutrophil function is typically compromised in this population, which can have implications for immune function. Therefore, the presence of macroglossia is a more characteristic observation in patients with Down's syndrome compared to the general population, highlighting significant anatomical and developmental differences associated with this genetic condition.