Article: Volume 48 Number 11 Page 907 - December 2021
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Dental Update 495: 907-912
Paediatric dentistry: Dental Care for Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for the Dental Practice Team
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Abstract: Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and increases the risk of a range of medical problems that may have implications for oral health. Children diagnosed with Down syndrome should be signposted to dental services as part of their schedule of health checks. To ensure that appropriate access and support are available from the dental team, it is important that dental professionals are familiar with medical and dental conditions and characteristics that occur with increased frequency in patients with Down syndrome.
Clinical relevance: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality likely to present in clinical dental practice. This paper provides guidance for dental professionals for dental checks and surveillance of the developing dentition for children with Down syndrome.
Author notes: Sinéad Brosnan, BDS NUI, MFDS RCS Ed, Senior House Officer in Paediatric Dentistry, University College Cork, Ireland. Emma Ray-Chaudhuri, BDS, MFDS RCS Eng, MPaedDent RCSP Glasg, Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry, Graystone Referral Centre, Hassocks, West Sussex. Jennifer Parry, BDS NUI, FDS RCS Eng, MDentSci, Consultant Paediatric Dentist, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, UK. email: sinead.brosnan@ucc.ie
Objective: To provide a guide for dental professionals regarding medical conditions and oral manifestations commonly associated with a diagnosis of Down syndrome and highlight the importance of regular dental surveillance and preventive oral health care in children with Down syndrome.
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