Early Dental Intervention in Children with Down Syndrome – A Review

Abstract

Down’s syndrome is a condition which is associated with a chromosomal abnormality. It is usually in the form of three in place of a pair of chromosomes 21, hence the name Trisomy 21. These children have mental retardation to a certain degree and they are generally smaller than average in height for their age. Flat broad bridge-shaped nose, midface dysplasia, “lop” ears, epicanthal folds with slanting almond-shaped eyes are present in such children which are responsible for the term ‘Mongoloid’. Early dental intervention should be considered important in such children. This article focuses on the importance of early dental intervention and strategies to combat the same.

Keywords: Down syndrome, Early dental intervention, Dental caries, Periodontal condition, Oral hygiene