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FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

IMPLICATIONS CONCERNING DENTAL HYGIENE

A review by Julia Fournier DH II student

INCIDENCE: According to the 5th addition of Stegemans' "The Dental Hygienists guide to nutritional care" fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a range of issues that occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol during the prenatal stages of developmnt. It presents with various signs including small facial abnormalities, potentially stunted growth and alterations in the central nervous system. This condition affects a surprising number of the population as much as 1-5% based on a study conducted by the Centers for disease control.

CAUSE: This condition develops when the Fetus is exposed to alcohol in the mother womb, this is a particular risk in the first trimester when the mother may not know she is pregnant yet.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: -Small Head circumference and brain size -Heart Defects -Small eyelid openings, eyes that are close together -a sunken nasal bridge -Minor Facial abnormalities -Prenatal and post natal growth retardation -Abnormalities with the structural and functional central nervous system.

RELATED DENTAL HYGIENE PATIENT EDUCATION:

-Because of the associated risk, all expecting mothers should be advised to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. -Assist with efforts to improve food intake. Because pregnancy is a uniquely nutritionally demanding condition its important to connect patients with resources such as social programs that assist with health and wellness. -A Multivitamin approved by the Nutritional Association of Manufacturers may be beneficial during pregnancy.