Prader-Willi syndrome: report of a case with special emphasis on oral problems

A case with Prader-Willi syndrome (P.W.S.) is reported. The patient manifests: obesity, hypogonadism, hypotonia, mental retardation, small hands and feet, prominent forehead, bitemporal narrowing, strabismus, hypoplastic teeth, generalized caries and thick, sticky saliva. The patient is presented at two different ages (10 and 14), and the development of the characteristics of the syndrome is described. Emphasis is given to the oral findings especially to the generalized caries, that led to an almost complete destruction of the teeth. The role of the dentist is considered to be important for the control of the dental problem of this syndrome.