Presence of plaque, gingivitis and caries in Sudanese children with congenital heart defects

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to assess the presence of plaque, gingivitis, and caries in a group of Sudanese children with congenital heart defects CHDs (cases) and compare them to children without CHDs (controls).Materials and methodsThis analytical cross-sectional study included cases (N = 111, with a mean age of 7.2 ± 3.0 years) and controls (N = 182, with a mean age of 7.2 ± 2.8 years) from Khartoum, Sudan. Examinations were done by two calibrated dentists using plaque index, gingival index, and WHO (World Health Organization) caries diagnostic criteria (dmft/DMFT index: decayed, missing, and filled teeth).ResultsChildren with CHDs (cases) had statistically significantly higher mean number of sites with plaque and gingivitis than children without CHDs (controls), although almost all children experienced plaque. Cases also experienced significantly higher mean dmft/DMFT than controls (age group 1, 3–7 years: 3.7 vs 2.3 and age group 2, 8–12 years: 1.3 vs 0.6). The Significant Caries Indices in cases (age groups 1 and 2) were also significantly higher than among controls (SiC 8.2 vs 5.9 and 1.8 vs 0.8, respectively). Fillings were totally lacking among cases and scarce among controls.ConclusionsThe findings clearly showed that this group of Sudanese children with CHDs was more severely affected with gingivitis and caries than the control group without CHDs. These results are cause for concern in children at risk of developing systemic infections and serious complications related to poor oral health.Clinical relevanceThese findings provide important baseline data for planning appropriate dental preventive strategies for Sudanese children with CHDs.

Inflammatory mediators in saliva and gingival fluid of children with congenital heart defect

“…A total number of 120 children from Khartoum city were enrolled in this study: 60 with CHD (CHD cases) and 60 controls (Ahmed Gasim cardiac Centre for CHD cases and schools and kindergartens for the controls). Details regarding the setting, sampling and study design were previously reported (Ali et al, 2016). Children with confirmed diagnosis with a CHD in the age group 3–12 years were included, but critically ill children and those using medications other than for CHDs were excluded (Ali et al, 2016).…”

“…Details regarding the setting, sampling and study design were previously reported (Ali et al, 2016). Children with confirmed diagnosis with a CHD in the age group 3–12 years were included, but critically ill children and those using medications other than for CHDs were excluded (Ali et al, 2016). Data collection was done in 2011 and in 2014 (Ali et al, 2016).…”

Prevalence of dental decay and periodontal diseases among children suffering from congenital heart diseases. A literature review – part I

“…Digitalis preparations lower the heart rate and stimulate the contractility of the heart muscle. Beta-blockers are used for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and may be prescribed as adjunct therapy for heart failure (30)(31)(32). Anti-coagulants such as warfarin, which hinders blood clot formation, and anti-platelet drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid, decrease platelet aggregation.…”

Prevalence of Dental Decay and Periodontal Diseases Among Children Suffering From Congenital Heart Diseases. A Literature Review – Part Iii

“…Retarded eruption of teeth, orthodontic anomalies, enamel hypoplasias and poor oral hygiene due to distraction, caused by the cardiac disease, are common clinical findings among patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) (1). A recent study finds that enamel and dentin of primary teeth of children with CHD have lower amounts of calcium and phosphate in their compound than the average expected in healthy children (2,3).…”