Orodental Complications in Patients with Major Beta-Thalassemia Orodental Complications in Patients with Major Beta-Thalassemia

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether beta-thalassemia major is associated with an increased risk of periodontal disease, dental caries and malocclusion.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 patients (21 males and 29 females) with thalassemia major, between two and 20 years of age, and 50 healthy matched control individuals, were included. Demographic, hematological and odontostomatological data (hematological picture, the face characteristics and odontostomatologic examination) were collected for each patient. Patients and control individuals were examined for plaque deposits, gingivitis, periodontitis and dental caries using Silness and Loe plaque index (Pl.I), Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) respectively and also were evaluated for malocclusion. Data were analyzed by t-student and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results: Poor oral hygiene was generally observed. There were no significant differences in Pl.I, GI and PPD scores between the thalassemic patients and the healthy control individuals (P > 0.05). Dental caries were significantly higher in thalassemic patients (P < 0.001) in comparison with the healthy control group. Various and serious malocclusion stages (Angle's II class, deep bite and open bite) were seen especially in older patients.

Conclusion: Thalassemia is not associated with increased rates of gingivitis or periodontitis, but it is associated with higher rates of dental caries and malocclusion.

Keywords: Dental caries, malocclusion, periodontal diseases, thalassemia