Transformative Dental Care in Pediatric Moebius Syndrome: Bridging Oral Health and Systemic Management During Prolonged Hospitalization

PMCID: PMC12172574

PMID: 40525838

DOI: 10.1111/scd.70031

Journal: Special care in dentistry : official publication of the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry

Publication Date: 2025-6-17

Authors: Delgado RZ, Bueno M, Mugayar L, Franco JB

Key Points

• Comprehensive dental care is crucial for patients with Moebius syndrome, particularly those on long-term mechanical ventilation
• Botulinum toxin and anticholinergic agents effectively managed sialorrhea, reducing aspiration pneumonia risk
• Multidisciplinary approach and specialized dental interventions can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life

Summary

This case report highlights the critical role of hospital dentistry in managing a 6-year-old patient with Moebius syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterized by facial and abducens nerve paralysis. The patient, hospitalized since birth and on mechanical ventilation, required comprehensive dental interventions to prevent complications and improve quality of life. The multidisciplinary approach demonstrated the importance of specialized dental care for complex syndromic patients, addressing unique challenges such as sialorrhea, potential respiratory infections, and oral health management.

Key dental interventions included strategic tooth extraction to prevent bronchopulmonary aspiration, sialorrhea management using scopolamine and botulinum toxin, selective dental wear to prevent self-mutilation, and monitoring drug-induced gingival hyperplasia. The case underscores the essential role of dental professionals in hospital settings, particularly for patients with neurological and developmental disorders, by proactively managing oral health risks and preventing secondary complications.