Oral manifestations and dentofacial anomalies in β‐thalassemia major children in Dubai (UAE)

Abstract

Aims The purpose of this study was to identify special oral and dentofacial manifestations of β‐thalassemia major (ΒTM) in Emarati children in Dubai (UAE). Materials and methods A total of 38 (ΒTM) and 76 healthy Emirati children were recruited. An oral examination was conducted to determine dmft/DMFT indices, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, occlusal anomalies, dentofacial, and soft‐tissue abnormalities. Results ΒTM children had significantly higher DMFT compared to the healthy controls (p‐value, 0.017). The Met Need Index (MNI) and the Restorative Index (RI) were lower in the ΒTM group but without statistical significance. Calculus Index (CI) was found to be significantly higher in ΒTM children (p‐value, 0.002). The proportion of gingivitis was significantly lower in the ΒTM group (p‐value, 0.009). ΒTM children had significantly higher proportion of retained primary teeth (p‐value, 0.001) and gingival pigmentation compared with healthy controls (p‐value, 0.001). BTM children did not have any statistically significant difference in the Angle molar classiication compared to the control. Interestigly, a significantly higher proportion of transverse cross bite was found in the control subjects compared to the BTM group (p‐value, 0.004). Conclusions Significantly higher DMFT, retained primary teeth, gingival pigmentation, and CI was found in the BTM group compared to the controls while significantly lower gingivitis index and transverse cross bite was seen in the BTM group.

Evaluation the oral hygiene conditions, oral Candida colonization and salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli density in a group of β-thalassemic children and adolescence

“…The DMFT indices were significantly higher in β-TM patients than the control group, which concurred with the studies of Al-Raeesi et al . (6) and Al-Wahadmi et al . (10), but the data presented by Luglie et al .…”

“…A limited number of studies are currently available on the oral and dental problems of TM patients. Whereas some of the studies asserted that the decay frequency of TM patients was higher when compared to healthy people, some reports claim that there were not any differences (6,9-11).…”

“…Recently, Al-Raeesi et al . (6) comparatively assessed the DMFT/dmft indices, oral hygiene index, occlusal anomalies, dentofacial and soft-tissue abnormalities in a total of 38 β-TM and 76 healthy Emirati children. The children with β-TM had a significantly higher DMFT and calculus index compared to the healthy controls, but a significantly lower gingivitis proportion.…”

“…Other dental features include flaring and spacing between maxillary incisors, cuspidal short roots, taurodontism, attenuated lamina dura and thin mandibular cortex (5-8). Additionally, thalassemic patients may have other oral symptoms, such as dental caries, due to the neglect of oral hygiene but also because of the decreasing concentrations of phosphorous and immunoglobulin A (Ig A) in saliva (5,6,8-15).…”

Comparison of two vital pulp therapies in β-Thalassemic children

“…Ineffective erythropoiesis leads to skeletal and non-skeletal manifestations 2,3 with extramedullary hematopoiesis and extreme expansion of marrow spaces in the long bones, spine, skull, ribs and facial bones [2][3][4] resulting in the characteristic oro-facial features of prominent maxilla, retruded mandible, class II malocclusion, wide overjet and deep overbite leading to the socalled chipmunk facies. 5,6 Caries index is high in β-thalassemia major children and their oral health is poor as low priority is given to their oral health which in turn leads to further deterioration of systemic health due to poor masticatory function and the inability to eat and chew food properly. 7 Poor oral health also affects the quality of life of children with βthalassemia major.…”