DOWN’S SYNDROME is a genetic disorder which is caused because of trisomy of chromosome 21.
Cause of down’s syndrome
- chromosomes are packages of genes present in the body.These chromosomes are present in pairs.There are 46 chromosomes which are present in a human body i.e 23 pairs of chromosomes. These chromosomes determine the growth of the baby when the baby is in the mother’s womb, growth of the baby after birth, functions of the body etc. In down’s syndrome patients there is an extra chromosome i.e the 21st chromosome has an extra copy of chromosome . this extra copy leads to disturbance in the mental and physical growth of the child.
- advances maternal age
- abnormalities in uterus.
- Abnormality in placenta.
General features seen in a down’s syndrome child
- The shape of the skull is round and the face looks flat.
- The bridge of the nose is flat and the the maxilla (the upper jaw )is small
- Eyes are widely separated, eyelids are scanty.
- Cataract and squint is common.
- Neck is short and broad .
- Hands are short and broad with a single crease called the simian crease.
- The IQ is retarded.
Oral features
- The tongue is protruded out.
- Fissures are seen on the tongue.
- Tongue size is huge.
- Jaw size is small.
- Lips are thick and dried.
- Cleft lip and palate is seen.
- Eruption of teeth is quite delayed but milk teeth fall off easily.
- Number of teeth present are usually less than the normal number.
- Teeth present are small in size.
- Teeth are not completely calficied and show defects in shape and size.
- Periodontal diseases are very common.
Management of oral health.
- They require proper dental treatment.
- Everyday brushing twice and visiting the dentist after every 4 to 6 months.
- If any treatment is required get it done at the earliest.
- These children are usually cooperative and performing dental procedures is not such a difficult task.
- But if they do not cooperate conscious sedation can be given. In severe cases general anesthesia can also be given.