Maintain preventive care and share DMD, cardiac/respiratory status and steroid use with the dentist. Sedation or surgery should be coordinated with experienced anesthesia and the neuromuscular team.
What this means in real life
Preventive dental care reduces the likelihood of procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia. Tell the dentist about DMD, cardiac and respiratory status, chronic steroids, ventilation, swallowing issues, allergies and all medicines. Positioning, mouth opening, fatigue and wheelchair access may require extra time or a specialty dental setting.
Local anesthesia without sedation may be feasible for many procedures, but sedation and general anesthesia require DMD-specific anesthesia planning. “Office sedation” can be risky when respiratory reserve is limited. Major oral surgery should be coordinated with neuromuscular, cardiology, pulmonary and anesthesia teams, including stress-dose steroids and postoperative cough/ventilation support.
Clarify antibiotic indications based on current cardiac/dental guidance rather than assuming DMD itself requires prophylaxis. Plan pain medicines that do not worsen breathing or interact with current treatment.
A practical checklist
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Schedule frequent preventive care and accessible hygiene support.
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Share current cardiac, pulmonary and steroid summaries.
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Use DMD-experienced anesthesia for sedation/surgery.
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Plan positioning, ventilation/cough support and stress dosing.
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Coordinate postoperative pain, eating and emergency instructions.
Questions to bring with you
Use these at the clinic, school meeting, equipment evaluation, program interview or benefits call. Write down the answers and who owns the next step.
- Can this be completed with local anesthesia only?
- Is the setting equipped for DMD respiratory risk?
- What preoperative cardiac/pulmonary assessment is needed?
- Is antibiotic prophylaxis indicated for a separate cardiac reason?
- How will pain and swallowing be managed afterward?
Important context
Individual needs, eligibility and safety can differ. Confirm the plan with the relevant Duchenne-experienced clinician, therapist, school team or program before acting.
Sources used for this guide
Direct links are included so families can check the original guidance and bring it to qualified professionals.
Content review: July 18, 2026. Medical labels, trials, benefits and programs can change after publication.
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