Down Syndrome Dentist

Dental Issues In People With Down Syndrome

There are many dental anomalies and anatomical soft tissue problems that one should be aware of that can occur in people with Down Syndrome. These problems can negatively impact one’s oral health.

The two main factors that contribute to the dental problems of those with Down Syndrome are the orofacial and skeletal development within a patient. The biggest changes in anatomical development are in the cranial base, the mid-third portion of the face, and the area between the mandible and maxilla. The most affected portion of soft tissue in the facial structure is the tongue, which is often protruded and enlarged. The reason for this protrusive appearance is the narrow dental arch in which the tongue is forced to rest. This can lead to mouth breathing and “dry mouth.”

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Kisha D.

Dr.Hoffmann thank you so much for making everything smooth and easy your staff was awesome for it to be so early in the morning all smiles and nice facility. They make you feel comfortable and explain everything to you as they go. I will refer you to my family and friends thank you again.

Jan R.

This dental practice is excellent with my daughter (25 y/o with autism). The entire team is kind, patient, and understanding. They take time to explain what will be happening and only recommend procedures that are truly necessary.

The staff never rushes and makes patients feel comfortable and supported. They are very in tune with sensory challenges. It’s clear they care deeply about creating a positive experience and treating everyone with dignity.

We heartily recommend Dr. Hoffmann and his team.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear your daughter feels comfortable and supported. Dr. Hoffmann and our team truly appreciate your recommendation.

Monica S.

Best decision I ever made was coming here. Highly recommend. The front office is great, Lena is awesome and docs are so good. Plus you get sweet glasses while they work 😎

Patricia J.

Dr. Thom and the entire staff at the Dental Anesthesia Center were warm, friendly and welcoming to me and my husband. My husband has dementia and needed extensive dental work. Dr. Thom took the time to explain to me what needed to be done before the procedure began. My husband is now fully recovered and doing just fine. I'm so grateful that we were referred to the Dental Anesthesia Center. Thank you!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed and supported by our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are grateful for your trust in our office!

Rafe F.

The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!

Beyond the tongue, the adenoids and tonsils are also enlarged. Some other dental anomalies include:

• Decreased tooth size
• Decreased crown-to-root ratio
• Delayed eruption
• Hypodontia

Going To The Dentist With Down Syndrome

Many patients with down syndrome find it difficult to communicate certain things when at the dentist, much of which has to do with how much pain they may be feeling. Unfortunately, even simple oral health issues can become major issues if they are not addressed appropriately or promptly.

Many of our St. Louis Down Syndrome patients, especially younger patients, have trouble understanding what is going on when they are at the dentist. If your loved one is a bit wary when they are around strangers, having a stranger with tools in their mouth can be quite a frightening situation for them to be in.

This is why we feel it is of the utmost importance that your loved one with Down Syndrome feels comfortable without fear or anxiety so that the dental visit goes as smoothly as it possibly can. Luckily, there are many ways in which we help Down Syndrome patients to cope with dental visits.

Sedation And Patients With Down Syndrome

Many patients benefit from sedation when they visit the dentist. If a patient cannot properly cooperate with a dentist during their appointments, sedation can sometimes be necessary to get the work done.

This is why many patients opt for sedation dentistry, which we offer here at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis. With patients who have Down Syndrome, sedation dentistry is not uncommon at all. Sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry, is one of the most utilized methods to keep patients calm and relaxed during their trips to the dentist. There are many different levels of sedation, which range from mild sedation, where the patient is still awake and conscious, to heavy sedation, where a patient is completely asleep.

Of course, there aren’t many people who enjoy having someone poke around in their mouths with various tools, and for someone who suffers from serious sensory problems, such as a person with Down Syndrome, sedation can be the best option.

Sedation is especially important if the patient is in for extensive dental work, such as a major surgery, where they must stay completely still throughout a long procedure.

Making Your Appointment

If you have a loved one with Down Syndrome, you probably know how difficult it can be to find the proper dentist. Fortunately, there are dentists who specialize in working with patients who have Special Needs and may require sedation. Dentists in this field require additional training to communicate with their patients and utilize sedation options to accommodate their special needs.

Unfortunately, finding these dentists can prove to be quite a chore. Here at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we have worked with special needs patients, including those with Down Syndrome, for over 30 years.

We know how important it is to have oral health care for everyone, and we’re here to provide the best Down Syndrome dentistry in St. Louis. Give us a call at (314) 862-7844 to schedule an appointment with one of our top dentists. We look forward to meeting you!