Assessment of oral health awareness and hygiene practice in hemophilic patients in Indore: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

: Haemophilia is a genetic X linked recessive bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or absence of certain clotting factors in the blood, primarily factors VIII (haemophilia A) or factor IX (haemophilia B). Dental caries and periodontal diseases are two main oral diseases affecting majority of population, but their effects are enhanced in hemophiliacs and medically compromised patients. There is a lack of epidemiological studies regarding oral health and oral hygiene of hemophilic patient especially in central India. This study therefore, aimed to evaluate the oral hygiene awareness and hygiene practices of patients with hemophilia in Indore district. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 hemophilic patients who were selected via snow ball sampling technique. The patients who were ready to participate voluntarily in the study were included. A study questionnaire in Hindi and English was given to the patients to obtain their knowledge about oral hygiene and dental health awareness.: Thirty hemophilic patients participated in the study with a mean age of 20 ±15 years. All the participants were male. Although hemophilic patients were conscious of oral hygiene, the study found most of them had poor dental practices. The majority of participants (56.67%) reported of using soft-bristled brushes. Only 56.67% of the participants reported cleaning their mouths after meals and having seen gum bleeding. The majority of hemophilia patients (46.15%) reported using Factor VIII, while some also used Tranexamic acid (15.39%).: Oral hygiene is crucial for everyone, but it holds particular importance for individuals with hemophilia. Good oral hygiene reduces the need for invasive dental treatments, minimizing potential complications.