Effect of palatal plate therapy in children with Down syndrome A 1-year study

Abstract

The effect of palatal plate therapy on oral dysfunction in children with Down syndrome was studied during a 1-year period. Twenty-nine subjects with a mean age of 24 months were randomized to a test group or to a control group. The variables concerning orofacial muscle function--that is, "closed mouth', "tip of the tongue visible', "open mouth', "inactive protrusion of the tongue', and "active protrusion of the tongue'--were monitored by video recordings. After 12 months of therapy the mean duration of the factor "closed mouth' was significantly longer (p < 0.001) and "inactive protrusion of the tongue' significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in the test group than in the control group. The results indicate that in children with Down syndrome, palatal plate therapy may be a valuable complement to a training program for improving orofacial muscle function.

Significance of oral health in persons with Down syndrome: a literature review

“…The muscles of mastication and facial expression are hypotonic 14,20 and there may be laxity of the temporomandibular joint ligaments 21 .…”

Oral Health in Down Syndrome

“…The motivation of the parents is fundamental. [57][58][59][60][61][62] Due to fear of plate swallowing and child choking, the plate developed by Castillo-Morales did not allow a prolonged use and required adult supervision [58]. Thereafter, Andrade C. et al [20,63] developed a modified, pacifier-shaped device, that provide greater security, prolonged usage time (even at night), less concern by caregivers, and better acceptance by society.…”

“…[57][58][59][60][61][62] All these reactions were rare, but required fitting a new plate, or suspension of the treatment.…”

“…To improve the suction, drooling and the chewing and secondarily to help the development of the language, Castillo-Morales [57][58][59][60][61] developed a plate that consisted of an acrylic plate with many strategically placed accessories that stimulate different areas of the tongue, cheeks and lips, awakening reflexes that changed positions of different muscle groups (Figure 9.). The improvement of the health, face and the language favours the integration of the child with DS among the family and in society.…”

“…[57][58][59][60][61]In selected cases, a palatal plate is an excellent complement to traditional speech therapy and the most dominant factor for succeeding is motivation. [57][58][59][60][61] After 12 months of therapy, the mean duration of the factor "closed mouth" was significantly longer (p < 0.001) and "inactive protrusion of the tongue" significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in the test group than in the control group. The results indicate that in children with Down syndrome, palatal plate therapy may be a valuable complement to a training program for improving orofacial muscle function.…”