Navigating Treatment Refusal: Behaviour Guidance for Down Syndrome Oral Health Management

Abstract

Background. Managing dental care in children with special health care needs poses distinct challenges. This case report explores these challenges within the context of a 9‐year‐old boy with Down syndrome (DS) facing dental treatment refusal. Case Report. Over ten months and 13 visits, a tailored approach was devised for the patient who presented with multiple cavities and retained primary teeth. Key strategies included gradually introducing dental procedures, including tooth brushing, intraoral examination, tooth preparation, extraction, and myofunctional therapy. Behaviour guidance techniques include tell‐show‐do, desensitization, positive reinforcement, and close collaboration between dental professionals and the patient’s mother. Discussion. This methodical approach helped overcome the child’s initial refusal without sedation or general anaesthesia, facilitating successful dental care. Conclusion. This case emphasizes the effectiveness of patient‐centred strategies and detailed communication in pediatric dentistry for children with DS, providing valuable insights for managing similar challenges in dental care.