Analysis of orocraniofacial changes in children with congenital zika syndrome: a case series

Abstract

This article aims to describe orocraniofacial alterations in children with Congenital Zika Syndrome. A descriptive case series study was carried out with 20 children with the syndrome, attended at a rehabilitation center in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The presence of oral, craniofacial and neurological alterations, oral health condition and gestational period were evaluated. Data were obtained from medical records and interviews with the children's mothers, followed by a physical examination. Among the main alterations found are microcephaly, craniofacial disproportion, epicanthal folds, bruxism, anterior open bite, ankyloglossia, tongue interposition and delay in teeth eruption. The child may have difficulty reporting any discomfort due to neurological impairment, therefore, these findings reinforce the importance of preventive dental consultations and the performance of the dental surgeon in the elaboration of protocols and guidelines aimed at providing a better quality of life for these patients.