Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome: Dental manifestations and management

• Published in: SAJCH : the South African journal of child health Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 28 - 30
• Main Authors: Roberts, Tina Sharon, Chetty, M, Stephen, Lawrence, Urban, Michael, Fieggen, Karen, Beighton, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Health & Medical Publishing Group 01.02.2014
• Subjects: Health Care Sciences & Services
• ISSN: 1994-3032; 1999-7671; 1999-7671
• DOI: 10.7196/sajch.569

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is an uncommon genetic disorder characterised by a typical facies, small stature, broad angulated thumbs and intellectual impairment. Dental changes are a minor, yet significant component of the condition. Craniofacial growth retardation in RSTS is frequently complicated by unerupted teeth, while dental caries is related to the inherent intellectual deficit. Dental problems necessitate interdisciplinary management in terms of oral surgery, conservative dentistry, periodontics and orthodontics. When affected individuals are unco-operative, certain dental procedures may warrant general anaesthesia. In these instances, dental and medical staff will combine their expertise to enhance the well-being of the patient. In addition, specific dental changes may alert the medical practitioner to the possible diagnosis of RSTS. In this article we document the oro-dental manifestations and review the oro-dental approach in the management of three patients with RSTS. Our experience in South Africa may be relevant to other countries at a similar stage of development.