Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
April 2007
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
8
Issue:
1

A longitudinal study of palatal plate therapy in children with Down syndrome. Effects on oral motor function

Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of palatal plate therapy on oral motor function during a 4-year treatment period. Study design: The effect of palatal plate therapy on oral motor function in children with Down syndrome (DS) was studied over a 4-year period in a prospective randomised clinical study. Subjects: Twenty children with a mean age of 24 months were randomly assigned to a palatal plate group (n=9), or to a control group (n=11). The children in the palatal plate group were treated with modified palatal plates according to Castillo Morales for a treatment period of 4 years. All children in both groups had been enrolled in the same orofacial physiotherapy programme from birth. Orofacial muscle function was documented using video registrations of the face at baseline, after 1 year, and after 4 years. The parents’ perception of the treatment method was investigated using a questionnaire. Results: After 1 year of palatal plate therapy a significant increase in the variable ‘closed mouth’ (p< 0.001) and a significant decrease in the variable ‘inactive tongue protrusion’ (p<0.01) were found. A significant decrease in the summary variables for inactive muscle function was found after 4 years of palatal plate therapy (p<0.05). The summary variables for active muscle function were increased after 4 years but not significantly. Conclusion: The results indicate that palatal plate therapy in combination with orofacial physiotherapy may have beneficial long-term effects on oral motor function in DS children. Keywords: Children, Down syndrome, functional appliances, oral dysfunction, video

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£15.00
Page Start
13
Page End
19
Authors
G Dahllöf, G Henningsson, K Carlstedt

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 2
  3. 2

  1. Assessment of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in disabled children in Nigeria
  2. 3
  3. 8

  1. An analysis of the pattern of dental treatment provided for patients with disabilities requiring treatment under general anaesthesia
  2. 9
  3. 12

  1. A longitudinal study of palatal plate therapy in children with Down syndrome. Effects on oral motor function
  2. 13
  3. 19

  1. Dyslexia and errors of left-right discrimination in undergraduate dental and postgraduate orthodontic students
  2. 23
  3. 27

  1. Management of Riga-Fede disease: a case report
  2. 28
  3. 30

  1. Delayed replantation of avulsed incisors in a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy – a case report
  2. 31
  3. 33

  1. Using large numbers can overwhelm efforts to secure care for children with special health care needs. A case study in the USA
  2. 34
  3. 36

  1. A maxillary obturator for a cocaine induced oronasal defect
  2. 37
  3. 40

  1. A report on the development of a dental service for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
  2. 41
  3. 44

  1. Preparing a child with autism for dental prophylaxis using structured and instructional methods: a case report
  2. 45
  3. 47

  1. Diary Dates 2007
  2. 48
  3. 48

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