How does Prader–Willi syndrome affect dental management?
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How does Prader–Willi syndrome affect dental management?
Behavior: use nonfood reinforcers and coordinate with the family's food-security plan (locked kitchen, scheduled meals). Expect possible temper outbursts and oral self-injury.
Prevention: address salivary symptoms, use fluoride toothpaste and varnish according to risk, and seal susceptible pits and fissures. Choose any prescription paste, rinse, or chewing product for the child’s age and ability to spit, chew, and swallow safely.
Before sedation: review obesity, hypotonia, OSA/central apnea, diabetes, and the current sleep/respiratory assessment during growth hormone treatment.
Setting and recovery: pediatric anesthesia determines the setting and postoperative monitoring from actual respiratory risk; significant sleep-disordered breathing may need hospital care.
Infection: a high pain threshold and poor temperature regulation can mask symptoms; examine carefully.