Comparative Evaluation of Oral Health Status in Children With β-Thalassemia Major In Lattakia City - Syria

Aim: Evaluating the oral health status of children with β-Thalassemia major in comparison with healthy children in Lattakia city - Syria. Materials and Methods: A case control study, the total sample consisted of 100 children aged (6-12) years, were selected from the auditors of the Maternity and Children Hospital- Lattakia. The study group was consisted of 50 children diagnosed with β-Thalassemia major, and regestrited in thalassemia department. The control group was consisted of 50 healthy children of the same age and gender. Anintraoral examination was conducted to asses the dental caries, gingivitis, and dental plaque levels for each child in both groups. Results: The mean of (DMFT), modified gingival index (MGI), and plaque index (PI) were significantly higher in thalassemia group compared to the controls, and the differences were statistically significant(p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the mean of (dmft) between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Children with β-Thalassemia major had poor oral health compared to the healthy children, which may reflect negatively on overall healthand well-being. Therefore, it's very important to provide preventive and curative dental care to such patients.