Sickle cell disease does not predispose to caries or periodontal disease

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal condition in a population with sickle cell disease (SCD), analyzing some associations with disease severity. The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) were recorded for 99 individuals with SCD and 91 matched controls. Socio‐demographic status, oral health behaviors, and history of clinical severity of SCD were assessed. Statistical comparisons were performed between the group with SCD and the control group, as well as multivariate logistic regression analyses with DMFT index and CPI as the dependent variables. The mean number of decayed teeth was significantly higher in individuals with HbSS. Older age, female gender, and daily smoking were identified as risk factors for higher DMFT, while older age and absence of daily use of dental floss were risk factors for the development of periodontal disease. In conclusion, risk factors known to cause caries and periodontal disease had more influence on oral health than the direct impact of SCD.

Maternal risk behavior and caries incidence in children with sickle cell disease

“…In the two articles found in the literature referred to above, there was no statistically significant association between caries incidence and genotype. HbSS showed a higher caries incidence, as was observed in other studies with adults 22,23 and adolescents, 24 as compared with the HbSC genotype and control groups. Ralstrom 24 attributed this association to the lower severity of clinical manifestations of the HbSC versus the HbSS genotype.…”

“…According to the literature, 22,23 sickle cell disease does not predispose individuals to caries, at least not directly. In the two articles found in the literature referred to above, there was no statistically significant association between caries incidence and genotype.…”

The impact of the oral condition of children with sickle cell disease on family quality of life

“…4 The main reason for the relationship between dental caries and SCD seems to be an association with poor hygiene behavior. 5 Parents tend to be the primary caregivers of children with SCD, by offering emotional support. 6 The emotional well-being of parents is fundamental to promoting a good quality of life (QoL) and the health maintenance of children with SCD.…”

Dental health in sickle cell disease

“…Low income most frequently affects the amount of value given on lifestyle, health and access to medical care and health information. Past results have shown that low-income individuals are more susceptible to decayed teeth problems as compared with individuals without the disease On the other hand, Passos et al [31] reported that the disease itself does not particularly predispose to caries or periodontal disease. Risk the contributing factors including daily smoking, older age, and lack of daily dental flossing can attributed towards dental caries and periodontal diseases.…”