More Dental Problems in Kids With Muscle Disease
October 27, 2009

By Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH -- Children with special medical needs also often have special dental needs. A recent study highlights this fact in children with myotonic dystrophy type 1, or DM1.

Researchers from Sweden did this study. They twice examined children with DM1 and children without the disease. The two exams took place four years apart. During both exams, children with DM1 had more tooth decay, fillings, plaque and gingivitis than children without the disease. Boys with DM1 were more likely than girls to have these dental problems.

It was harder for children with DM1 to open their mouths. These children also were more likely to have jaw joint problems. They were less cooperative in the dentist's office, and cooperation did not improve over time. General sedation was often needed to treat these children.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 causes muscle weakness. This is often in the face, jaw, eyelids, neck, hands and lower legs. People with DM1 also have problems with their eyes, heart, digestion, learning and memory.

DM1 is an inherited disease that can be diagnosed at any age. Generally, people diagnosed at birth or as children will have more severe forms of the disease.

The study appears in the November issue of the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry.