Feeding and Dental Difficulties
From infancy to adulthood, feeding difficulties are very common in individuals with CdLS. Preferably, individuals with CdLS should be fed orally (by mouth). However, feeding difficulties may sometimes result in feeding times becoming unsafe, stressful and taking many hours out of the day. In these circumstances, doctors may temporarily supplement an individual’s feeding with a gastrostomy tube.
Recommendation(s)
Feeding and Dental Difficulties
R12
In every CdLS individual with prolonged and marked feeding difficulties, the multidisciplinary assessment (from healthcare workers across many disciplines) should consider (temporary) placement of a gastrostomy (surgical opening through the abdomen into the stomach) as a supplement to oral feeding.
R13
In individuals with CdLS who have recurrent respiratory infections, reflux and/or aspiration (breathing foreign objects into airways) should be ruled out.
R14
The palate should be closely examined at diagnosis. In case of symptoms of a (submucous) cleft palate, referral for specialist assessment is indicated.
R15
Dental assessment and cleaning should take place regularly; a more thorough dental examination or treatment under anaesthesia may be necessary.
Our publications
Feeding and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Daily Caloric Requirements
Le défi des soins dentaires
Healthy Smiles
Oral Health Issues Facing Individuals with CdLS
Feeding and Dental Difficulties
Feeding Issues in Individuals with CdLS
Diet and Nutrition Issues with CdLS
The back to basics of G-tube feeding
Nutrition problems in CdLS
A Closer Look: Families Consider Intensive Feeding Programs
Pediatric Dentistry and CdLS
Dental related medical problems that might be associated with self-injurious behaviour
