Brush and Spit! Helping Kids with Special Needs Keep Their Pearly Whites Smile-Ready

By Dr. Robert Rada, Illinois Dentist and American Dental Association Member from Disability Blog:
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, yet many people fail to understand why dental health is so important for children.
Tooth decay is the most common, chronic childhood disease in the U.S. In fact, it’s five times more common than asthma. It causes kids to miss 51 million school hours and their parents to lose 25 million work hours annually. It also impacts children’s self-esteem, concentration and social development, so dental disease should not be ignored.
The good news is that simple things, like brushing your children’s teeth for two minutes twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly, can help greatly decrease the risk of painful cavities and other dental disease.
In children with special health care needs, regular brushing is also critical to help ease the effects that some medication may have on their dental health. Always supervise children while brushing to make sure they are using the right amount of toothpaste (and that they spit it out when done). Help them brush and make sure they’re not doing it too hard. To learn more about the right amount of fluoride toothpaste to use, visit MouthHealthy.org and read the section called, “Cleaning Your Child’s Teeth.” You can also watch this video to “brush up” on how to brush.

New comprehensive Down syndrome program

New comprehensive Down Syndrome program

from News 8 WTNH by Jocelyn Maminta:
It is a one of a kind program and Connecticut Children's Medical Center came up with it. It's a comprehensive outreach for families with children with Down Syndrome.
Louisa Knapp is among the hundreds in Connecticut born with down syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects a child's development.           
Louisa's family is among a growing number discovering the newly launched Comprehensive Down Syndrome Program at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
"How's your hearing," asked Dr. Greenstein.
Dr. Robert Greenstein heads up this first of it's kind program in the state.
"This would make available in a timely manner the kind of services that are necessary to improve the health of the child and therefore reduce the anxiety among the family," said Dr. Greenstein.
A huge void until now, with services specifically tailored to address the special needs of a patient with Down syndrome which can be misdiagnosed, delaying treatment.
"Can I see your teeth please," asked Dr. Greenstein.
For Louisa, a stuffy nose led to surgery after Dr. Greenstein recommended a specialist.
"He managed for her to be seen by someone who is now with this program who is very comfortable with kids with down syndrome and understood the unique needs and she had her tonsils and adenoids removed and it was life changing for her," said Sheryl Knapp, Louisa's mother.
At this visit, the concern is Louisa's hearing, a common problem among patients with Down syndrome.
"She often says I can't hear you or say that again. I don't know if she really can't hear or if she's just saying it," said Knapp.
Getting her hearing tested with an audiologist is now on Louisa's schedule.
"There's an expectation that you have to find out how much you can but it also comes with an emotional upheaval as well for families," said Dr. Greenstein.   
What's offered here is a big relief for families like Louisa's, looking for a central resource to meet all the needs for children with down syndrome.
For more information, visit www.connecticutchildrens.org

Ninth Annual Trisomy 21 Symposium

Ninth Annual Trisomy 21 Symposium

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Sponsored by the Trisomy 21 Program at

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

www.chop.edu/cme

Trisomy 21 is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality, found once every

800 to 1,000 live births. However, both pediatric and adult clinical care continues to

present significant and unique challenges.

Children with trisomy 21 are at higher risk for congenital heart disease, gastrointestinal abnormalities, endocrinologic disorders, epilepsy, musculoskeletal issues that affect motor abilities, hearing loss, speech apraxia, sleep disorders, feeding disorders, and developmental disabilities, including learning disabilities, mental retardation and autism. Deficits in any of these areas can adversely affect the child’s development and adaptive behavior.

This one-day symposium will provide parents and healthcare professionals with up-to-date clinical information, therapeutic approaches and current research being conducted in the field of trisomy 21.

Presentation Summaries:

Dental Management of the Patient with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) Angela Stout, D.M.D., M.P.H. - This presentation will discuss various dental characteristics and

anomalies that exist with patients who have Down syndrome and will review tips for the parent and caregiver to maintain good oral health for their child/patient. Several treatment options

and behavior management techniques will be offered to guide and assist the parent/caregiver to get their child/patient through dental examinations and treatment.

Promoting Health and Mental Wellbeing in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Lessons Learned from the Adult Down Syndrome Center of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Brian Chicoine, M.D. - Dennis McGuire, Ph.D.Drs. Chicoine and McGuire will discuss findings from a multidisciplinary clinic serving the health and psychosocial

needs of over 5,000 teens and adults with Down syndrome in suburban Chicago. They will discuss the interaction of physical and mental health conditions and discuss ways to reduce the risk of mental health/behavioral conditions. They will also discuss health promotion strategies and behavioral characteristics that are adaptive.

Monica Walters Martinez and David Martinez Self-advocates and Stars of the HBO Documentary, Monica & David Moderator: Ali Codina - Monica & David is a documentary that explores the marriage of two adults with Down syndrome and the family that strives to support their needs. Monica and David are blissfully in love and want what other adults have — an independent life. While Monica and David are capable beyond expectations, their parents, aware of mainstream rejection of adults with intellectual disabilities, have trouble letting go.