Muscular Dystrophy Overview

A rubber dam prevents foreign substances from entering the patient's airway during dental procedures.

Muscle weakness in the hands and wrists can make brushing and flossing difficult for those with MD.

Shoulder muscle weakness in facioscapulohumeral MD hinders lifting objects like toothbrushes, requiring assistance for oral hygiene.

Dental hygienists need to be aware of potential side effects of bisphosphonate treatment, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Anaesthetic agents should be used cautiously in MD patients, considering their pre-existing neuromuscular conditions and potential cardiac complications.

Due to chewing difficulties and dysphagia, MD patients often need nutritional assessments and advice from a registered dietitian.

Early preventive dental care is crucial for children with DMD, including regular prophylaxis, fluoride application, and oral hygiene instruction.

Modifications to tooth brushing and other hygiene activities may be needed in MD patients, depending on the affected muscle groups.

A condition where the jaw muscles become larger due to a buildup of fat and connective tissue, even though the actual muscle tissue is shrinking.

Difficulty swallowing, often caused by muscle weakness in the throat and mouth.

A condition where the tongue becomes enlarged and weak, often seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

A condition where the jaw doesn't close properly, leading to issues with chewing and turning the head, often observed in myotonic dystrophy.

An abnormal forward curve in the neck, often noticed in myotonic dystrophy due to weakness of the neck muscles.

A condition where the jaw joint has reduced movement, often seen in DMD.

Excessive drooling due to difficulty swallowing liquids, often seen in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy and other forms of MD.

Dry mouth, often occurring in myotonic dystrophy type 1, caused by decreased saliva production.

A condition where the upper front teeth don't meet the lower front teeth, often due to lip incompetence, mouth breathing, enlarged tongue, or tongue pushing against the teeth.

A group of genetic conditions that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.

The most severe form of MD, primarily affecting boys and causing progressive muscle weakness.

A less severe form of MD, also primarily affecting boys, causing milder muscle weakness and later onset.

A feeding tube placed directly into the stomach, allowing for direct delivery of nutritional formulas.

A condition where the back teeth are pushed out, usually due to an imbalance between the tongue and cheek muscles.

A condition where the upper front teeth are positioned forward, over the lower front teeth.

A condition where the lower front teeth are positioned forward, over the upper front teeth.

A group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.

The defective gene is located on the X chromosome, meaning males are more likely to be affected than females.

A form of MD where muscle weakness begins typically before age 5, characterized by progressive muscle degeneration.

A milder form of MD compared to DMD, with a later onset typically between 7 and 12 years old.

DMD and BMD are both caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which leads to a deficiency of the dystrophin protein.

Individuals with DMD or BMD may experience difficulties with activities that require muscle strength, like walking, running, and climbing stairs.

Corticosteroids are often prescribed to maintain muscle strength for as long as possible, especially in DMD.

Physical therapy, assistive devices, and surgery are also used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with MD.

A type of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms, causing weakness and difficulty with facial expressions, raising arms, and other movements.

A common symptom of Myotonic Dystrophy, characterized by difficulty relaxing muscles after they contract. Imagine a hand that's squeezed into a fist and remains that way for an extended time.

An inherited disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, typically affecting boys.

A less severe form of muscular dystrophy that resembles DMD but progresses more slowly. It's like a 'milder' version of DMD.

An inherited disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, primarily affecting the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms.

A serious complication of muscular dystrophy, especially DMD, characterized by curvature of the spine. It can affect breathing and mobility.

A medical condition characterized by weakened heart muscles. It can lead to heart failure and irregular heartbeats. This condition can develop as a consequence of DMD and BMD.

A serious condition that affects the muscles involved in breathing. It can make it difficult and challenging to breathe.

Dental care for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) should include preventative measures, oral hygiene instruction, fitting a mouth guard and taking impressions.

People with DMD often have difficulty swallowing due to muscle weakness in their throat and mouth.

DMD patients may drool excessively due to the difficulty in swallowing liquids.

DMD patients may have weak hand and wrist muscles which can make brushing and flossing difficult.

A rubber dam is often used during dental procedures in DMD patients to prevent foreign substances from entering the airway.