{"id":22081,"date":"2026-03-26T18:11:03","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T18:11:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/oral-health-in-down-syndrome-prevention-should-start-early\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T14:45:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T14:45:27","slug":"oral-health-in-down-syndrome-prevention-should-start-early","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/oral-health-in-down-syndrome-prevention-should-start-early\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral health in Down syndrome: prevention should start early"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"22081\" class=\"elementor elementor-22081 elementor-22054\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-69ccd57 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"69ccd57\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cf49ef5\" data-id=\"cf49ef5\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d3780c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8d3780c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Oral health in Down syndrome: why prevention should start early<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4f9103 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b4f9103\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Blogue__Saude-oral-na-Sindrome-de-Down-1024x450.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-22080\" alt=\"oral health in down syndrome\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Blogue__Saude-oral-na-Sindrome-de-Down-1024x450.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Blogue__Saude-oral-na-Sindrome-de-Down-300x132.webp 300w, https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Blogue__Saude-oral-na-Sindrome-de-Down-768x337.webp 768w, https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Blogue__Saude-oral-na-Sindrome-de-Down.webp 1366w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-785a59d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"785a59d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Down syndrome, gum problems can arise earlier and progress faster than many families imagine.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Not always the first sign is pain.<\/strong> Often starts with s<strong>wollen gums, bleeding when brushing or difficulty maintaining effective hygiene in everyday life.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<p>What few know is that there is an <strong>early periodontal risk <\/strong>associated with this condition. And when there is no proper follow-up, this risk can translate into something more serious: <strong>tooth loss at a young age.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<p>Some oral features are more frequent in Down syndrome, such as macroglossia (relatively larger tongue), changes in tooth position and increased plaque retention. <strong>These factors hinder effective hygiene and contribute to persistent gingival inflammation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>From the little we have seen, we realize that the key to oral health in Down syndrome is prevention, not optional or delayed. It has to be thought out early. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c405c81 elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"c405c81\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tContents approached\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__c405c81\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__c405c81\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__c405c81\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e922187 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e922187\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why there is a higher risk in oral health in Down syndrome<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b20dc62 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"b20dc62\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-hand-point-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M428.8 137.6h-86.177a115.52 115.52 0 0 0 2.176-22.4c0-47.914-35.072-83.2-92-83.2-45.314 0-57.002 48.537-75.707 78.784-7.735 12.413-16.994 23.317-25.851 33.253l-.131.146-.129.148C135.662 161.807 127.764 168 120.8 168h-2.679c-5.747-4.952-13.536-8-22.12-8H32c-17.673 0-32 12.894-32 28.8v230.4C0 435.106 14.327 448 32 448h64c8.584 0 16.373-3.048 22.12-8h2.679c28.688 0 67.137 40 127.2 40h21.299c62.542 0 98.8-38.658 99.94-91.145 12.482-17.813 18.491-40.785 15.985-62.791A93.148 93.148 0 0 0 393.152 304H428.8c45.435 0 83.2-37.584 83.2-83.2 0-45.099-38.101-83.2-83.2-83.2zm0 118.4h-91.026c12.837 14.669 14.415 42.825-4.95 61.05 11.227 19.646 1.687 45.624-12.925 53.625 6.524 39.128-10.076 61.325-50.6 61.325H248c-45.491 0-77.21-35.913-120-39.676V215.571c25.239-2.964 42.966-21.222 59.075-39.596 11.275-12.65 21.725-25.3 30.799-39.875C232.355 112.712 244.006 80 252.8 80c23.375 0 44 8.8 44 35.2 0 35.2-26.4 53.075-26.4 70.4h158.4c18.425 0 35.2 16.5 35.2 35.2 0 18.975-16.225 35.2-35.2 35.2zM88 384c0 13.255-10.745 24-24 24s-24-10.745-24-24 10.745-24 24-24 24 10.745 24 24z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\"><b>It\u2019s not just about brushing better or worse.<\/b><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-222941a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"222941a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdmanuals.com\/pt\/casa\/problemas-de-sa%C3%BAde-infantil\/anomalias-cromoss%C3%B4micas-e-gen%C3%A9ticas\/s%C3%ADndrome-de-down-trissomia-21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">People with Down syndrome <\/a>have immune changes and a more intense inflammatory response to bacteria. <\/strong>This means that small amounts of plaque can trigger more aggressive inflammation of the gum tissues.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, there is a greater tendency to destroy the supporting tissues of teeth.<\/p>\n<p>This is why<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/periodontitis-and-general-health-why-inflammation-of-the-gums-is-not-a-local-problem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">periodontitis <\/a>in Down syndrome<\/strong> is not only more frequent, but can also appear earlier and progress faster than in the general population.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37b1a7e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"37b1a7e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What can happen without follow-up <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26f517c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"26f517c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When there is no regular surveillance, initial signs tend to be ignored or undervalued.<\/p>\n<p>The most common include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>red or swollen gums<\/li>\n<li>frequent bleeding<\/li>\n<li>persistent bad breath<\/li>\n<li>receding gums<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>At a later stage, tooth mobility may arise. The problem is that this evolution can be silent for a long time. And when it becomes evident, there is already loss of bone support.  <\/p>\n<p><strong>Therefore, without prevention, there is a real risk of early tooth loss.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It is not inevitable. But it is frequent when there is no structured follow-up. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5ba0ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d5ba0ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What really helps to prevent<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-effad54 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"effad54\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Prevention does not depend on a single measure. It depends on consistency. In practice, what makes a difference is:  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3aaa0d9 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"3aaa0d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-hand-point-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M428.8 137.6h-86.177a115.52 115.52 0 0 0 2.176-22.4c0-47.914-35.072-83.2-92-83.2-45.314 0-57.002 48.537-75.707 78.784-7.735 12.413-16.994 23.317-25.851 33.253l-.131.146-.129.148C135.662 161.807 127.764 168 120.8 168h-2.679c-5.747-4.952-13.536-8-22.12-8H32c-17.673 0-32 12.894-32 28.8v230.4C0 435.106 14.327 448 32 448h64c8.584 0 16.373-3.048 22.12-8h2.679c28.688 0 67.137 40 127.2 40h21.299c62.542 0 98.8-38.658 99.94-91.145 12.482-17.813 18.491-40.785 15.985-62.791A93.148 93.148 0 0 0 393.152 304H428.8c45.435 0 83.2-37.584 83.2-83.2 0-45.099-38.101-83.2-83.2-83.2zm0 118.4h-91.026c12.837 14.669 14.415 42.825-4.95 61.05 11.227 19.646 1.687 45.624-12.925 53.625 6.524 39.128-10.076 61.325-50.6 61.325H248c-45.491 0-77.21-35.913-120-39.676V215.571c25.239-2.964 42.966-21.222 59.075-39.596 11.275-12.65 21.725-25.3 30.799-39.875C232.355 112.712 244.006 80 252.8 80c23.375 0 44 8.8 44 35.2 0 35.2-26.4 53.075-26.4 70.4h158.4c18.425 0 35.2 16.5 35.2 35.2 0 18.975-16.225 35.2-35.2 35.2zM88 384c0 13.255-10.745 24-24 24s-24-10.745-24-24 10.745-24 24-24 24 10.745 24 24z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Daily oral hygiene adapted to the person<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-hand-point-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M428.8 137.6h-86.177a115.52 115.52 0 0 0 2.176-22.4c0-47.914-35.072-83.2-92-83.2-45.314 0-57.002 48.537-75.707 78.784-7.735 12.413-16.994 23.317-25.851 33.253l-.131.146-.129.148C135.662 161.807 127.764 168 120.8 168h-2.679c-5.747-4.952-13.536-8-22.12-8H32c-17.673 0-32 12.894-32 28.8v230.4C0 435.106 14.327 448 32 448h64c8.584 0 16.373-3.048 22.12-8h2.679c28.688 0 67.137 40 127.2 40h21.299c62.542 0 98.8-38.658 99.94-91.145 12.482-17.813 18.491-40.785 15.985-62.791A93.148 93.148 0 0 0 393.152 304H428.8c45.435 0 83.2-37.584 83.2-83.2 0-45.099-38.101-83.2-83.2-83.2zm0 118.4h-91.026c12.837 14.669 14.415 42.825-4.95 61.05 11.227 19.646 1.687 45.624-12.925 53.625 6.524 39.128-10.076 61.325-50.6 61.325H248c-45.491 0-77.21-35.913-120-39.676V215.571c25.239-2.964 42.966-21.222 59.075-39.596 11.275-12.65 21.725-25.3 30.799-39.875C232.355 112.712 244.006 80 252.8 80c23.375 0 44 8.8 44 35.2 0 35.2-26.4 53.075-26.4 70.4h158.4c18.425 0 35.2 16.5 35.2 35.2 0 18.975-16.225 35.2-35.2 35.2zM88 384c0 13.255-10.745 24-24 24s-24-10.745-24-24 10.745-24 24-24 24 10.745 24 24z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Brushing at least twice a day<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-hand-point-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M428.8 137.6h-86.177a115.52 115.52 0 0 0 2.176-22.4c0-47.914-35.072-83.2-92-83.2-45.314 0-57.002 48.537-75.707 78.784-7.735 12.413-16.994 23.317-25.851 33.253l-.131.146-.129.148C135.662 161.807 127.764 168 120.8 168h-2.679c-5.747-4.952-13.536-8-22.12-8H32c-17.673 0-32 12.894-32 28.8v230.4C0 435.106 14.327 448 32 448h64c8.584 0 16.373-3.048 22.12-8h2.679c28.688 0 67.137 40 127.2 40h21.299c62.542 0 98.8-38.658 99.94-91.145 12.482-17.813 18.491-40.785 15.985-62.791A93.148 93.148 0 0 0 393.152 304H428.8c45.435 0 83.2-37.584 83.2-83.2 0-45.099-38.101-83.2-83.2-83.2zm0 118.4h-91.026c12.837 14.669 14.415 42.825-4.95 61.05 11.227 19.646 1.687 45.624-12.925 53.625 6.524 39.128-10.076 61.325-50.6 61.325H248c-45.491 0-77.21-35.913-120-39.676V215.571c25.239-2.964 42.966-21.222 59.075-39.596 11.275-12.65 21.725-25.3 30.799-39.875C232.355 112.712 244.006 80 252.8 80c23.375 0 44 8.8 44 35.2 0 35.2-26.4 53.075-26.4 70.4h158.4c18.425 0 35.2 16.5 35.2 35.2 0 18.975-16.225 35.2-35.2 35.2zM88 384c0 13.255-10.745 24-24 24s-24-10.745-24-24 10.745-24 24-24 24 10.745 24 24z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Supervision or support from a carer when necessary<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-hand-point-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M428.8 137.6h-86.177a115.52 115.52 0 0 0 2.176-22.4c0-47.914-35.072-83.2-92-83.2-45.314 0-57.002 48.537-75.707 78.784-7.735 12.413-16.994 23.317-25.851 33.253l-.131.146-.129.148C135.662 161.807 127.764 168 120.8 168h-2.679c-5.747-4.952-13.536-8-22.12-8H32c-17.673 0-32 12.894-32 28.8v230.4C0 435.106 14.327 448 32 448h64c8.584 0 16.373-3.048 22.12-8h2.679c28.688 0 67.137 40 127.2 40h21.299c62.542 0 98.8-38.658 99.94-91.145 12.482-17.813 18.491-40.785 15.985-62.791A93.148 93.148 0 0 0 393.152 304H428.8c45.435 0 83.2-37.584 83.2-83.2 0-45.099-38.101-83.2-83.2-83.2zm0 118.4h-91.026c12.837 14.669 14.415 42.825-4.95 61.05 11.227 19.646 1.687 45.624-12.925 53.625 6.524 39.128-10.076 61.325-50.6 61.325H248c-45.491 0-77.21-35.913-120-39.676V215.571c25.239-2.964 42.966-21.222 59.075-39.596 11.275-12.65 21.725-25.3 30.799-39.875C232.355 112.712 244.006 80 252.8 80c23.375 0 44 8.8 44 35.2 0 35.2-26.4 53.075-26.4 70.4h158.4c18.425 0 35.2 16.5 35.2 35.2 0 18.975-16.225 35.2-35.2 35.2zM88 384c0 13.255-10.745 24-24 24s-24-10.745-24-24 10.745-24 24-24 24 10.745 24 24z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Use of proper brushes and simple techniques<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-579c9aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"579c9aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Manual dexterity and difficulty maintaining a consistent routine can make oral hygiene less effective without support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As for these small daily care, they have a direct impact on the reduction of gingival inflammation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b74de6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3b74de6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How dental care makes all the difference<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86a1567 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"86a1567\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There is a common mistake in oral health in general, but in Down syndrome in particular: waiting for obvious signs to seek help.<\/p>\n<p>The after may be late. <strong>Dental follow-up in Down syndrome <\/strong>should be regular and adjusted to individual risk. In many cases, it <strong>involves more frequent consultations than usual.<\/strong>  <\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/specialties\/oral-hygiene\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">oral hygiene consultation <\/a>in A Cl\u00ednica allows not only to<strong> control inflammation, but also to adapt techniques, guide caregivers and adjust the care plan over time.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With our oral hygiene consultations, plaque and tartar are removed effectively; we monitor gum health; and we identify changes early on.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, <strong>more important than treating the problem is preventing it from progressing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/clinic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">facilities of A Cl\u00ednica<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">team, with proven experience<\/a> in treatments for people with special needs, make a difference in treatment and long-term results.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5778c61 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5778c61\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently asked questions about oral health in Down syndrome<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6aaff53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"6aaff53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1111\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1111\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Does Down syndrome increase the risk of gum problems?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1111\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1111\"><p>Yes. People with Down syndrome have a higher risk of developing gum inflammation and early periodontitis due to immune changes and increased accumulation of plaque. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1112\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1112\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is it normal to bleed my gums in Down syndrome?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1112\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1112\"><p>No. Gingival bleeding is a sign of inflammation and should be assessed. Ignoring this symptom may allow periodontal disease to progress.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1113\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1113\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How often should a person with Down syndrome go to the dentist?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1113\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1113\"><p>In many cases, dental follow-up is recommended every 3 to 4 months, adjusted for individual risk, to prevent and control gum problems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1114\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1114\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Can early tooth loss be prevented?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1114\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1114\"><p>Yes. Oral hygiene in patients with Down syndrome is adequate, regularly followed and with early intervention, allows to significantly reduce the risk of periodontitis and avoid<a href=\"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/benefits-of-placing-a-fixed-prosthesis-over-implants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> tooth loss.<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0da1c13 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0da1c13\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Living with Down Syndrome means needing constant care and attention<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb7247c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fb7247c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Oral health in Down<\/strong> syndrome requires early attention, continuous follow-up and an approach adapted to each person\u2019s reality. The risk of <strong>early periodontitis <\/strong>is higher but not inevitable. <\/p>\n<p><strong>With prevention, routine and proper follow-up, it is possible to avoid complications, preserve the teeth and ensure more comfort and quality of life over time.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ignoring the first signs or postponing care does not simplify the problem. It only makes it more difficult in the future. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39a370a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"39a370a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>So, <a href=\"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/information\/\">schedule <\/a>an assessment consultation in A Cl\u00ednica for someone who is dear to you and has to live with Down syndrome daily. Care is love! <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-151aa7d\" data-id=\"151aa7d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e163e4b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e163e4b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You may be interested in:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Oral health in Down syndrome warns that the risk of periodontitis may arise early. Learn how to prevent inflamed gums and avoid premature tooth loss.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":22080,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[125],"tags":[126,222,221],"class_list":["post-22081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-posts","tag-oral-health","tag-oral-health-in-down-syndrome","tag-oral-health-of-children"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22081"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22875,"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22081\/revisions\/22875"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22080"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aclinicadrpedromota.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}