Inborn errors of metabolism and their impact in paediatric dentistry

The management of paediatric patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) presents an unparalleled challenge for paediatric dentists owing to the multiplex of interrelated dental manifestations and metabolic management necessitating modifications to dental care. Inborn errors of metabolism describe a largely heterogenous group of genetic disorders namely attributable to a single gene defect essential for a specific metabolic pathway. Approximately 400 disorders have been described with an overall incidence of 1 in 5000 live births worldwide. Clinical presentation is classically inconspicuous and insidious in the neonatal period with pathophysiology attributable to accumulation of toxic by-products which interfere with normal function, or insufficient synthesis of essential compounds. This paper aims to discuss the primary oral and maxillofacial manifestations across the scope of inborn errors of metabolism, whilst also considering how metabolic treatment has the propensity to complicate dental management.