Enamel defects and tooth eruption disturbances in children with sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia, a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene, can present oral manifestations such as delayed tooth eruption and hypomineralized enamel and dentin. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) and delayed tooth eruption in children with sickle cell anemia. The sample comprised 56 male and female children with sickle cell anemia aged 6 to 12 years and treated at the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of Pernambuco, Brazil. The data were collected according to the WHO criteria for DDE and tooth eruption. The prevalence of DDE was 58.2% and increased with age, affecting 43.8% of children aged 6 to 8 years and 66.7% of those aged 10 to 12 years (p>0.05; Pearson's chi-square test). There was no significant association between DDE and sex; the most prevalent type of DDE was diffuse opacity (6.2%). Tooth eruption was delayed in 18 children (32.1%). The delay increased with age and was detected in 11.8% of children aged 6 to 8 years, in 20.0% of those aged 8 to 10 years and in 54.2% of those aged 10 to 12 years (p<0.05; Pearson's chi-square test). Delayed tooth eruption was higher in males (36.7%, p>0.05). The prevalence of DDE was high, increased with age and was similar between sexes, while delayed eruption was higher in males and showed a significant association with age.