Information

Feeding and Dental Difficulties

From infancy to adulthood, feeding difficulties are very common in individuals with CdLS. Preferably, individuals with CdLS should be fed orally (by mouth). However, feeding difficulties may sometimes result in feeding times becoming unsafe, stressful and taking many hours out of the day. In these circumstances, doctors may temporarily supplement an individual’s feeding with a gastrostomy tube.

Recommendation(s)

Feeding and Dental Difficulties

R12

In every CdLS individual with prolonged and marked feeding difficulties, the multidisciplinary assessment (from healthcare workers across many disciplines) should consider (temporary) placement of a gastrostomy (surgical opening through the abdomen into the stomach) as a supplement to oral feeding.

R13

In individuals with CdLS who have recurrent respiratory infections, reflux and/or aspiration (breathing foreign objects into airways) should be ruled out.

R14

The palate should be closely examined at diagnosis. In case of symptoms of a (submucous) cleft palate, referral for specialist assessment is indicated.

R15

Dental assessment and cleaning should take place regularly; a more thorough dental examination or treatment under anaesthesia may be necessary.

Our publications

Publication

USA Nutritional Survey Results

Publication

Feeding and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Publication

Daily Caloric Requirements

Publication

the Challenges of Dental Care

Publication

Healthy Smiles

Publication

Oral Health Issues Facing Individuals with CdLS

Publication