ce is a necessity. Most people with ED have missing or no teeth. Dental treatment is ongoing, beginning with dentures as early as age two and perhaps dental implants thereafter. Teeth that are present are spaced out, tapered, and sometimes malformed. In some cases, the enamel (outer layer of skin) is defective and there may be a number of cavities. When teeth are missing, the jawbones that they are usually embedded to, don’t develop well. This usually leads to a typical aged appearance in the face.Precautions must be taken to limit upper respiratory infections. The linings of the nose, larynx, trachea, and the lungs are moistened by various glands. Some of these glands may be defective in cases of ED. Respiratory problems are therefore common. Care for the skin must be provided also to prevent cracking, bleeding, and infection.The generalized underproduction of body fluids also leads to several problems. People with ED produce little saliva, causing problems with chewing, tasting, and swallowing foods. The secretions of mucous in the nose are excessively thick, forming a crusty mass. Nasal infections are very common. A hoarse, raspy voice is also common. Excessive ear wax may be produced. The most frequent problem is the accumulation of ear wax in the ear canal. Hearing loss may be the result of this due to the impacted wax or nerve damage.People with ED may have scalp hair that is absent, sparse, fine, lightly pigmented, or abnormal in texture. It may also be fragile and unruly; sticking out in all directions and difficult to comb. The hair is also dry because of the poor developed or even absent oil glands. Some of the defects are evident at birth, while others aren’t noticed until later in life. Many times the hair grows slow and hair cuts aren’t often needed. In men, beard growth is usually normal. After a person with ED reaches puberty, hair growth sometimes improves.In the eyes, tears are r...
