Delayed Eruption of Teeth: Children who have Down syndrome often experience a delay in tooth eruption. Their first baby teeth may not appear until 12 to 24 months of age, and a complete set of primary (baby) teeth might not be present until age 4 or 5. Similarly, the eruption of permanent teeth, such as the front incisors and 6-year-old molars, can be delayed until 8–9 years of age. It’s also not unusual for the order in which these teeth appear to be different from typical patterns.
Unique Teeth and Oral Structure: Individuals with Down syndrome often have smaller-than-average teeth, a condition known as microdontia, and their tooth roots may be shorter. A common characteristic is a small upper jaw (maxilla), which can lead to a misaligned bite (malocclusion) and may make it challenging for the mouth to comfortably accommodate the tongue, which may be larger or appear larger due to the oral structure. This combination can impact chewing, speaking, and breathing.
Missing or Extra Teeth: A higher prevalence of congenitally missing teeth (hypodontia), especially incisors and second premolars, is observed in individuals with Down syndrome. Conversely, some may have extra teeth (supernumerary teeth), although this is less common.
Increased Susceptibility to Periodontal Disease: Gum disease (periodontitis) tends to be more prevalent and often more severe in people who have Down syndrome, even in childhood. This increased susceptibility is partly due to an impaired immune system, which reduces the body’s natural defense against the disease-causing bacteria. Therefore, meticulous daily oral hygiene is critically important.
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
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