The importance of the dental surgeon and the responsible for the patient with Down Syndrome in maintaining their oral health

Abstract

Down syndrome is a trisomy of chromosome 21, which results in changes in the physical, motor and psychological characteristics of its carriers. These changes may be one of the reasons that make it easier for patients with this syndrome to have oral problems. Due to the particularities of patients, such as poor cognitive performance and reduced motor coordination, it is common for them to present difficulties regarding the promotion of oral care. This difficulty often causes these people to need help from their guardians and/or caregivers. But the people who help them are not always prepared to perform this function. In addition, there are common problems regarding the care provided in dental offices, due to the low number of professionals prepared to treat these patients. In this sense, this study addresses, through a narrative literature review, what are the specificities related to oral care in individuals with Down Syndrome, in order to assist both caregivers and/or caregivers as the dentists, aiming at thus improve the quality of life of these patients.