title: Neural tube defects and their significance in clinical dentistry: a mini review.
abstract: Neural tube defects are common congenital malformations that could be apparent at birth or manifested in later stages of life. Morbidity is high in anencephaly, whereas in spina bifida, there are neurological and motor disorders. These defects deserve paramount importance in clinical dentistry. Latex allergy, dental caries, difficulty in mouth opening, and sitting in a dental chair are common problems. There is a high risk of anaphylactic response during anaesthesia. There could be associated craniosynostosis causing maxillary deficiency, and malformed sella turcica might be seen. An association of the defects has been linked with orofacial clefts and Down syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Orthodontics, Oral Health Sciences Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. garg.anuradha@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: Anuradha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garg
authors.forename: Ashok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Utreja
authors.forename: Satinder P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Suresh K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Angurana
mesh_terms: D000757:Anencephaly / Q000150:complications; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000209:etiology; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000209:etiology; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000150:complications*; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000150:complications