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Management of oral and dental problems in Rett syndrome: a narrative review of the literature

Review of the available dental literature on assessment and management of the oral manifestations of Rett syndrome

Citation:
Lai Y, King NM, Downs J, Leonard H. Management of oral and dental problems in Rett syndrome: a narrative review of the literature. Journal of Disability and Oral Health. 2018;19(2):39-48

Abstract:
Aim and objectives: To review available dental literature on assessment and management of the oral manifestations of Rett syndrome.

Methodology: The Ovid Medline and Embase databases were searched for articles written in English and describing the oral manifestations of Rett syndrome and associated dental management.

Results: The search yielded 530 results in total. Ten articles focused on oral health, of which six were case reports, two case-series, one cross-sectional study, and one case-control study. Bruxism was the most frequently reported dental manifestation with dental caries less frequently reported. Management options of bite-planes, full coverage restorations and acupuncture were used for some patients.

Conclusions: Albeit with limitations, the conclusions that can be drawn are (i) The most common oral manifestation of Rett syndrome is bruxism, and more specifically, diurnal bruxism; and (ii) Although the rare incidence of Rett syndrome can be appreciated, the quality of the evidence for the management of bruxism in those with Rett syndrome subjects is poor.