Oral health management considerations for patients with sickle cell disease

Predictors of dental complications post‐dental treatment in patients with sickle cell disease

“…Accordingly, some research suggested that defective blood flow in the dental pulp of SCD patients can cause asymptomatic changes as well as severe tooth pain with pulp necrosis, without observable clinical pathologies (Basati, 2014; Bishop, Briggs, & Kelleher, 1995; Demirbas Kaya et al, 2004). Since dental problems in SCD often complicate the treatment course of patients (Acharya, 2015; Rada, Bronny, & Hasiakos, 1987), and available clinical data are minimal on dental complications, recent studies emphasized the necessity of clinical investigations targeting communities with high SCD prevalence (Kawar, Alrayyes, Yang, & Aljewari, 2018; Whiteman et al, 2016; Yawn et al, 2014).…”

“…The SCD population in Greater Rochester Area is characterized by the following; the majority are African American/Black, and approximately 28% of these patients live in the crescent of poverty. Low socioeconomic status and income disparities are considered factors that may delay patients seeking dental care, and neglecting oral health is common in patients with SCD (Kawar, Alrayyes, Yang, & Aljewari, 2018), who may rely heavily on urgent dental care. A recent study, however, reported that free dental services alone did not improve the occurrence of urgent dental visits (Whiteman et al, 2016).…”

“…Therefore, clinical case studies and review papers recommended an “aggressive” preventive strategy in SCD cases, focusing on preemptive procedures including oral hygiene instructions, periodic cleaning, application of fluoride varnish, and avoid more complicated dental treatment needs and higher chances of complications (Javed et al, 2013; Mulimani et al, 2016). Accordingly, improving and maintaining oral health in SCD is the critical component to reducing the risks of severe dental consequences (Kawar, Alrayyes, Yang, & Aljewari, 2018; Laurence et al, 2013). The majority of our patients did not participate in regular recalls or follow‐up treatments, and most of the procedures completed were dental extractions and pain management.…”

“…Dental infections (pulpitis, swelling, dental abscess, and cellulitis) are among the most frequent factors predisposing to vaso‐occlusive crisis (da Fonseca, Oueis, & Casamassimo, 2007; Platt et al, 1994; Ware, de Montalembert, Tshilolo, & Abboud, 2017). Dental professionals should be able to recognize and treat SCD patients with a complete understanding and knowledge of the dental manifestations of this disorder, and consequences of the disease must be considered carefully before dental treatment is started (Kawar, Alrayyes, Yang, & Aljewari, 2018; Laurence, Reid, & Katz, 2002). Previous studies showed that curative treatment is often delayed in patients with SCD (Levenson et al, 2008); thus, aggressive preventive strategies should be implemented to improve oral health and decrease the chances of infection (Javed et al, 2013; Mulimani, Ballas, Abas, & Karanth, 2016).…”

“…According to relevant literature, patients with SCD are most frequently admitted to hospital emergency care and require subsequent hospitalization compared to other medical conditions. The incidence of oral and dental issues in SCD is higher than that in many other disorders (Acharya, 2015; Alrayyes et al, 2018), but evidence from available clinical studies is very limited for sickle cell patients (Kawar, Alrayyes, Yang, & Aljewari, 2018; Yawn et al, 2014). Previous reports and clinical recommendations highlighted the significance of oral health maintenance by all dental care providers and the development of oral health promotion programs in the communities highly affected with SCD (Laurence et al, 2013; Mulimani et al, 2016; Yawn et al, 2014).…”