Oral health in children with congenital zika syndrome

Abstract

Brazil recently experienced an outbreak of exanthematic disease due to Zika virus, which was directly associated with the birth of children with microcephaly. Eye, hearing, respiratory, musculoskeletal complications , intellectual deficit, among others, have also been observed in these children, constituting the Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). After searching the main databases (Medline via Pubmed, BBO, LILACS), as well as grey literature, different types of studies were found, such as one case report, four longitudinal and three cross-sectional studies. The oral findings reported in these studies were: alteration in the chronology of eruption primary teeth, such as delay, sequence change and symptomatology; altered tooth shape and number; developmental enamel defects and bruxism. Other findings associated with congenital microcephaly, originated by Zika virus or not, were: micrognathia, hypotonia, high-arched palate, malocclusion and increased risk for caries and periodontal disease. It can be concluded that oral disturbances are associated with CZS and it is important that dentists are aware of the main limitations and needs of these patients so that they are able to - provide them with proper assistance since the first appointment