Microcephaly: a concern also for dentistry

Since 2015, with the proliferation of Zika virus, many children have been born with microcephaly, a disease that affects the brain development of the perimeter, bringing as consequences disturbances in cognition and motor coordination. The latest epidemiological bulletin of the Ministry of Health indicates that up to July 2016 were confirmed in 1271 cases of microcephaly and nervous system disorders in Brazil. Other 3,580 are under investigation.

Given this situation, dentists play a fundamental role in the treatment of people affected by the disease. Changes caused in neurodevelopment affect muscle tone, which leads to hypertension (increased stiffness of muscles) or hypotonia (decreased stiffness). The two conditions impact on chewing, which causes to have a more pasty food, textures which are more easily retained on the surface of teeth. According to Maria Lucia Zarvos Varellis (CROSP 26107), a dentist expert in patients with special needs, the differentiated diet, added to the difficulties in carrying out the movements of mastication and occlusion and limitations to perform hygiene, can cause several problems in oral health these patients.

According to the expert, it is important that people with microcephaly are treated early. "It is far better to prevent, keeping the mouth free of disease, to perform more invasive curative treatments such as restorations, which may require the use of general anesthesia or sedation," he says.

For the proper development of the treatment, the family plays a key role. "Who has a special child visit several specialists, but in many cases, forget that the mouth is part of this system," he says. In his words, one infection in the mouth can affect other parts of the body, and monitoring of a dentist can prevent dental problems become complicating factors in overall health.

The professionals who treat these patients should have a differentiated approach. "The approach of the dentist must first of all be humanized, performed according to the changes that the individual present," said. According Varellis, it is necessary that the professional has involvement with the family and with the patient to understand its history and also your medical history. During the consultations, which should not be long, it is necessary to stabilize the patient in the dental chair, because often people with neurological disorders can perform involuntary movements, causing accidents, and avoid strident sounds and sudden movements to not trigger any unwanted reaction.

For parents, the indications are recommending oral hygiene with soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and in small quantities, not to make too much foam and cause discomforts that can make brushing is stopped. According to expert, prevention is the watchword.