Craniofacial features and specific oral characteristics of Down syndrome children.

AIM

This article intends to describe the characteristics of Down syndrome children in order to facilitate their management in the dental office.

METHODS

A review of literature was made limited to articles published between 2003 and 2013. The article is based on a literature search in PubMed and the authors' clinical experience with the patient group.

DISCUSSION

Individuals with Down syndrome are clinically characterized by generalized hypotonia, neurological, cardiac and respiratory problems and changes in their stomatognathic system. Almost all these patients have an occlusal disharmony, including anterior open bite, anterior and posterior crossbite, anterior proclination and underdevelopment of the maxilla and the midface. Dental anomalies such as hypodontia, peg-shaped teeth and enamel hypocalcification are also found. The dentomaxillofacial features have clinical implications in speech, nutrition, posture, ventilation and aesthetics, with enormous consequences in growth, development and social integration.

CONCLUSIONS

When planning the dental treatment of patients with Down syndrome, dental practitioners should always consider their general health, in order to achieve a holistic and interdisciplinary approach.