Gurbuz T, Tan H
Oral health status in epileptic children. [JOURNAL ARTICLE]
Pediatr Int 2009 Sep 28.
Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the oral hygiene status and dental treatment requirements in children with epilepsy.
Methods: The treatment group consisted of 211 children with epilepsy, 120 boys and 91 girls, 4-15 years old, mean age 7.85 +/- 2.98 years. The control group consisted of healthy children, matched by age and gender. Clinical features of the patients were obtained from hospital records. Clinical examinations were conducted, under standard light, using a plane buccal mirror, a dental probe and air drying to evaluate caries experience and to record the periodontal health of each child. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-squared test, Fisher exact test and ANOVA.
Results: The number of decayed and missing teeth, the degree of abrasion and periodontal indexes are significantly worse in patients with epilepsy, according to control group (p < 0.001). Gingival enlargement was documented in 42% of patients on valproate monotherapy whereas only in 16% of patients on phenobarbital. Dental caries and halitosis were the most common oral disorders. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures often cause minor oral injuries and traumatized anterior teeth.
Conclusions: This current investigation has shown that epileptic children were at an increased risk of developing caries and gingivitis compared with healthy subjects.
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