How do they treat dental patients with Down syndrome?

How do they treat dental patients with Down syndrome?

Involve patients in hands-on demonstrations of brushing and flossing. Some people with Down syndrome can brush and floss independently, but many need help. Talk to their caregivers about daily oral hygiene. Do not assume that all caregivers know the basics; demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.

How does Down syndrome affect dental?

People with Down syndrome may have small teeth, which can cause spacing between the teeth. They also tend to have a small upper jaw. This may cause crowding of the teeth and may result in the permanent teeth being “impacted” because there is no room in the mouth for them to come in.

Why Down syndrome have less caries?

Conclusions: The low caries prevalence in Down syndrome children appears to be due to immune protection caused by the elevated salivary S. mutans specific IgA concentrations.

Why do Down syndrome children stick out their tongue?

Some babies have decreased muscle tone. Since the tongue is a muscle, and is controlled by other muscles in the mouth, decreased muscle tone can cause the tongue to stick out more than usual. Several conditions may cause decreased muscle tone, such as Down syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

Can Down syndrome kids get braces?

Children who have Down syndrome can benefit from dental and orthodontic interventions to remedy problems with their teeth, jaws, and alignment. Stemming largely from skeletal differences in the face, Down syndrome commonly results in smaller bridges of the nose, maxilla, and bones in the mid-face area.

What problems do infection and mouth breathing cause in Down syndrome?

Children with Down syndrome often have chronic upper respiratory infections (URIs). These contribute to mouth breathing with its associated effects of xerostomia (dry mouth) and fissuring of the tongue and lips. There is also a greater incidence of apthous ulcers, oral candida infections and ANUG.

How do you stop a Down syndrome child from grinding their teeth?

You want to see up-and-down jaw movements during biting and chewing (no side jaw movement). some firm but gentle pressure up and down into the back gum and/or teeth to stimulate a munch chew. Do “jaws-ercise” and/or chewing activities 3-5 times per week with your child (daily, if the grinding is bad).

How do you stop a child from grinding their teeth?

Specific tips to help a child stop grinding their teeth include:

1. Decrease your child’s stress, especially just before bed.
2. Try massage and stretching exercises to relax the muscles.
3. Make sure your child’s diet includes plenty of water.
4. Ask your dentist to monitor your child’s teeth if they are a grinder.

How is Down syndrome treated in a dental office?

Most dental treatment for persons with Down syndrome can take place in a general dental office with relatively minor adaptations. In undergraduate dental training there is usually little or no exposure to treating patients with disabilities, and general practitioners may be hesitant to treat these patients with confidence.

Can dental treatment help patients with cerebral paralysis and Down syndrome?

A study of the dental treatment needs of special patients: cerebral paralysis and Down syndrome Patients with CP and DS require early dental care in order to prevent and limit the severity of the pathologies observed. Patients with CP and DS require early dental care in order to prevent and limit the severity of the pathologies observed.

Is sedation necessary for people with Down syndrome?

Sedation is sometimes necessary if they must have dental work done because their health is at risk and they do not want to cooperate with the dentist. A lot of patients, in general, opt for sedation dentistry, so having it done for a patient with Down syndrome is not uncommon at all.

How do I find a good dentist for a Down syndrome child?

You can call your local dental school, because they will typically have residents or faculty who are experienced in caring for people with Down syndrome. Some hospitals have dental departments and these dentists are typically trained in caring for people with Down syndrome as well. What If I Do Not Think My Child Can Cooperate for Dental Care?