Down’s Syndrome: features related to the stomatognathic system

Abstract

Down Syndrome is a congenital anomaly caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in pair 21. The patient with this syndrome shows alterations in the stomatognathic system: teeth, tongue, periodontium, maxilla, mandible, occlusion and temporomandibular joint. The main oral manifestations are oral breathing, maxillary atresia, fissured tongue, dental agenesis, periodontal disease, late dental eruption and malocclusion, besides several dental alterations. The Down Syndrome’s carrier needs specialized and multidisciplinary treatment, due to variations of the affected structures. The early diagnosis and intervention by the dentist allow an interruption in the progress and also impedes the consequences of malformations, as well as an improvement in quality of life.