Oral diseases in a patient affected with Prader-Willi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A case of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in a 13-year-old girl is reported. The patient presents with systemic and oral manifestations of the disease. Case report The patient shows: obesity, hypotonia, mental retardation, small hands, prominent forehead, strabismus, hypoplastic teeth, poor oral hygiene, caries, oral candidiasis and thick, sticky saliva. This case is reported to underline the importance of the oral and dental problems of these patients. Caries and oral candidiasis are correlated with the reduced secretion of saliva and with poor oral hygiene. The role of paediatric dentistry is considered to be necessary for the prevention of oral complications of this syndrome.