Dental Problems in Down Syndrome Children

Down syndrome (DS) is a common malformation affecting the whole body with a unique craniofacial and distinctive oral feature and anomalies. These dental anomalies and the associated systemic manifestations of children with DS pose real challenges to the dentist as well as the pediatrician which necessitate a multidisciplinary team to be involved in taking care of children with this syndrome. It is important that the dentist can recognize the types of structural soft tissue and dental abnormalities which are part of the classic features and developmental prototype of D children. The dentist should also be able to detect and to appropriately manage these problems through an integrated team work including the family and the child primary physician. Good oral hygiene and healthy dental life are of paramount importance for an integrated health and better quality of life for such children.

Keywords: Anodontia, Bruxism, Children, Craniofacial, Down syndrome, Gingiva, Gingivitis, Halitosis, Hypotonia, Oral health, Occlusion, Oligodontia, Palate, Periodontitis, Periodontal disease, Taurodontism, Teeth, Tongue, Tracheoesophageal fistula, Tooth agenesis.