Visiting the dentist

Our son's oral care is a very important to us, specially because kids with trisomy 21 have more dental problems than their typical peers. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

"People with Down syndrome have no unique oral health problems. However, some of the problems they have tend to be frequent and severe. Early professional treatment and daily care at home can mitigate their severity and allow people with Down syndrome to enjoy the benefits of a healthy mouth. PERIODONTAL DISEASE (gum disease) is the most significant oral health problem in people with Down syndrome. Children experience rapid, destructive periodontal disease. Consequently, large numbers of them lose their permanent anterior teeth in their early teens. Contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, malocclusion, bruxism, conical-shaped tooth roots, and abnormal host response because of a compromised immune system."

Tommy first visit to the dentist was last December when he was 21-month because he cut his first teeth. We wanted to make sure were giving him a proper oral care; even although, I regularly cleaned his gums when he was a baby and introduced toothbrushing with a gum brush when he was 7 1/2 months. Tommy had his annual check up today. We had some concerned that were addressed during our visit to the dentist.

Tommy brushed his gums for the first time

October 31, 2008

Concern # 1

Chipped teeth. We has been a little be worried because Tommy chipped his front tooth about two weeks ago.

Dr.'s Answer: It is very typical. She had other little patients schedule for today because their teeth were almost gone. Tommy's weren't that bad

Solution: she pullished tommy's front teeth a little bit.

Concern # 2
Underbite. I noticed Tommy is developing an underbite a while ago. I am concerned because underbites can result in difficulty to produce speech sounds. It is not related to the syndrome, it comes from heritage genes.

Dr.'s Answer: Underbites is very common in kids and it is treatable, so we have to wait until Tommy is around 6 years old to start a treatment. Orthodontic methods are common used to correct underbites.

Solution: She will be monitoring him. She will periodically take x-rays to check his jaws.

Concern # 3

Tooth grinding. Tommy has been grinding his teeth for about three months. I massage his gums and distract him from this habit, but it doesn't work for so long.

Dr.'s Answer: 2 of 3 kids grinding their teeth.

Solution: It goes a way by itself as the kids get older.

Teeth Cleaning

Tommy had his first teeth cleaning today and he fused a little, but he cooperated most of the time. He didn't like the experience so much because he didn't behave so active, as he was early in the morning, after he came back. He just wanted to read books by itself. Next time, I will make sure I explain to him about the visit to the dentist.

The dentist's Inform

The dentist took a close look of Tommy oral structure thru an x-ray. Tommy's tooth alignment is very good, not missing tooth. All his baby and adult teeth are in the correct position. His oral structure is very typical. Healthy gums and teeth, not plaque build-up. Parents are doing a great job on Tommy's oral health. His next appointment will be in 6 months from now.

Tommy was getting ready for the x-ray

Tommy's dentist was very impressed how clean and healthy Tommy's teeth and gums are. She noticed right away that Tommy doesn't eat much sugary food because of his good oral health. This made me really proud of my husband and myself because we have been very diligent about our son's nutrition and our No Candies Policy.

Maintain a healthy diet is the best we can do to support our son's health and prevent oral issues that can cost a lot of money due to dental treatments are very expensive.

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