Analysis of salivary secretion, caries index and periodontal diseases in people with Moebius Syndrome

Abstract

Möbius Syndrome (MS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by total or partial paralysis of the VI (abducens) and VII (facial) cranial nerves, with or without the involvement of other cranial nerves ( III, V, IX, X) and physical malformations, especially in the limbs. Oral facial characteristics include micrognathia, ogival palate, morphological alterations of the tongue, restriction of mouth opening, high incidence of periodontal disease, and caries. It is speculated that the high incidence of caries in these individuals is related to the restricted masticatory muscle function, lack of 'self-cleansing' by the weak tongue and lips, and poor plaque control. However, we have to consider, as a caries predisposing factor, a possible change in the salivary function, since the nerves involved in this syndrome also participate in the innervations of the salivary glands. Our objective is to evaluate the parotid salivary flow, analyze the pH and buffer capacity of the whole saliva, and to relate these findings with periodontal health, plaque index, caries prevalence, and the degree of facial motor impairment, in individuals with MöbiusSyndrome.(AU)