Increasing the number of inter-arch contacts improves mastication in adults with Down syndrome: a prospective controlled trial.

Feeding difficulties due to their condition have been widely described for babies, children and adults with Down syndrome (DS). A previous study demonstrated that, compared with wearing a placebo appliance, wearing an occlusal appliance increased inter-arch dental contacts, improved the oral health status of adults with DS and normalised their mandibular rest position. This longitudinal prospective controlled trial aimed to evaluate whether increasing inter-arch contacts in adults with DS would lead to improved masticatory efficiency.

Effect of occlusal appliance wear on chewing in persons with Down syndrome.

The effects of Down syndrome (DS) include orofacial dysmorphology with neuro-motor difficulties and inter-maxillary discrepancy. It is unclear whether improving the inter-arch relationship would suffice to overcome feeding difficulties in persons with DS. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study is a first step in evaluating the impact of wearing an orthetic intra-oral appliance on chewing variables in 8 subjects with DS (4 males and 4 females; mean age: 27.

Modification of behavior with 50% nitrous oxide/oxygen conscious sedation over repeated visits for dental treatment a 3-year prospective study.

In various medical domains, inhalation of nitrous oxide (N2O) in oxygen (O2) is indicated to alleviate pain and anxiety during routine treatment. Repeat treatment may often be indicated. Little data are available, however, to evaluate the long-term efficacy and side effects of reiterated N2O/O2 sedation.