Periodontal status and IOTN interventions among young hemophiliacs

Fifty-two young individuals suffering from severe haemophilia A and B volunteered to be compared with school- and college-going students for oral health status description and subsequent management. A total of 244 students (84.42% boys and 15.58% girls) with the age group of 13-23 years were divided into two groups, A and B (controls). The purpose of this study was to increase awareness about evidence-based dental practices by oral examinations followed by comparisons of periodontal health and prevalence of malocclusions among medically compromised students and healthy controls. Results described the oral health in severe haemophilic population to be compromised with combined simplified health index score of 0.50 and Decayed/Modified/Filled Teeth (DMFT) index score of 2.07 when compared with 0.42 and 0.95, respectively, among group B. Although prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among group A were higher, yet it was not confirmed as a reason for degraded dental and periodontal status. However, spontaneous and/or toothbrush (trauma)-induced gingival bleeding episodes among group A could be explained as factors discouraging oral hygiene maintenance, particularly self-administered measures. Four haemophiliacs presented with symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMPDS). Evidence-based oral medicine and clinical practices need to be encouraged and applied to enhance the quality of life among haemophiliacs, particularly in developing world. Dental treatment needs of haemophilic population appear to be greater and maybe incorporated in routine dental practices, at institutional and individual levels.