Comparative study of oral hygiene status of HbSS subjects and controls

There is paucity of information on the oral health status of individuals with the HbSS gene in Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the state of their oral hygiene, compare this with unaffected people and create awareness of importance of oral health care in the patients and their parents. Three hundred and thirty-six subjects, aged 1-45 years and comprising 185 HbSS and 151 controls took part in this study. They were seen in three hospitals in Lagos-General Hospital Lagos, Massey Street Children Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital. They were examined using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, (OHIS). Mean OHI-S scores for HbSS subjects and controls were 1.24+/-0.95 and 0.66+/-0.58 respectively (P< 05). There was no significant difference in OHI-S score across the socio-economic classes of both groups (P> 05). Females in both groups had cleaner mouths than males. It is concluded that the controls had cleaner mouths than those with HbSS. Socio-economic class did not influence their oral hygiene. It is recommended that preventive oral health care should be included in the management of HbSS patients.