Dental and Periodontal Health in Children with Hemophilia.

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the dental and periodontal health of children with hemophilia A in different aspects. Methods The gingival index, plaque index, and dmf(t)-dmf(s), DMF(T)-DMF(S) scores of 36 children (aged between 6 and 12 years) with hemophilia A and 39 healthy children were analyzed. Type of hemophilia, dietary habits, and frequency of tooth brushing, educational and economic level of the parents, and parents' dental habits were determined by a questionnaire. Results All the analyses were carried out by means of commercial statistical software. Statistical analyses were performed by chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and independent t tests. The difference in plaque index scores between the study and control groups (P?=?0.077) was not statistically significant. Gingival index scores of the children with hemophilia were statistically higher than the control group (t?=?3.10; P?=?0.003). No difference was found in dmf(t)-dmf(s) scores, but DMF(T)-DMF(S) scores of the study group were statistically higher than the control group (P?=?0.001; P?=?0.012). The frequency of tooth brushing was defined statistically different between the two groups (P?=?0.044). The frequency of sugar consumption by the children with hemophilia was found to be statistically higher than that of the control group (P?=?0.006). Although the maternal educational levels of the two groups were similar (P?=?0.130), paternal education levels and the economic levels of the study group were statistically lower than those of the control group (P?=?0.002). Conclusion We conclude that children with hemophilia A have significantly higher GI and DMF(T)-DMF(S) scores compared with matched, healthy control subjects. Expanded preventive measures, educational, and recall programs should be organized for these "special needs" patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]