CONCLUSION
Over the last fifty years, an enormous amount of research has been carried out relating to Down syndrome, particularly in terms of its genetic basis. Many therapeutic strategies have been proposed to improve quality of life for these individuals and life expectancy has risen dramatically. The general dental practitioner should be aware of the wide variety of systemic and orofacial characteristics described in the literature, even though each of these characteristics is not present in every patient with Down syndrome. The most important information for the dentist to retain is that early intervention may greatly help to prevent the installation of many of the listed problems, including orofacial dysmorphology, dental-related behavioural difficulties and periodontal disease. He or she should be aware that a multidisciplinary approach to these patients is imperative and that, when required, early referral to an appropriate specialist can make all the difference to the quality of life of these patients. |
Anterior