Individuals with cognitive, developmental, or physical delays who struggle to understand, manage, or cooperate with preventive oral health practices are at a higher risk of developing dental conditions. These conditions include:

• Build-up of calculus resulting in increased gingivitis and risk for periodontal disease.
• Enamel Hypoplasia
• Dental Caries
• Oral aversion and Behavior Problems
• Dental Crowding
• Malocclusion
• Anomalies in tooth development, size, shape, eruption, and arch formation
• Bruxism and Wear Facets
• Fracture of Teeth

The following conditions have been reported by multiple independent sources; however, they have not yet been confirmed at the population level, and it is unclear if they are specific to Chromosome 8p Disorders.

• Bruxism – A condition where you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. Bruxism can occur unconsciously during the day (awake bruxism) or while you sleep (sleep bruxism).
• High Palate – A condition where the roof of a person’s mouth is positioned higher than that of the general population.
• Overbite – A condition where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than nothey should.

Providers should follow standard practices for managing oral health in individuals with a chromosome 8p disorder.

Dental Management

• Patients should begin regular visits with a dental provider at an early age, ideally before 12 months of age or 6 months after the first tooth eruption.
• Dentists should collaborate with a patient’s other healthcare providers. When necessary, these providers should be consulted regarding medications, sedation, general anesthesia, and any special restrictions or preparations needed to ensure the safe delivery of oral health care.

Preventative Oral Care

• If a patient is unable to adequately perform oral care for themselves, a caregiver should assist ensuring optimal care is given.
• Brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste twice daily helps prevent cavities and gingivitis.
• If a patient’s sensory issues make the taste or texture of fluoridated toothpaste intolerable, options such as a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to reduce foaming, a fluoridated mouthrinse, or an alternative like casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) can be applied using a toothbrush.
• Toothbrushes can be adapted to help individuals with physical disabilities brush their teeth independently. Electric toothbrushes and floss holders may also improve patient participation.
• A diet that doesn’t promote tooth decay is essential for the long-term prevention of dental disease. When a diet high in carbohydrates or the use of high-calorie supplements is medically necessary (e.g., to promote weight gain), ask your dentist to provide strategies to reduce the risk of cavities.
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1. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Management of dental patients with special health care needs. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2023:337-44.

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