Oral health conditions in Wilson's disease patients: A clinical diagnostic study

The aims of this study were: To evaluate oral health conditions, oral health behaviours and eating habits in Wilson's disease (WD) patients; to assess the possible relationship between oral health status and long-term pharmacological therapies undertaken.

Sixty WD patients were selected and their data were compared to those of an age-matched control group of 62 subjects. Clinical examinations were carried out and a questionnaire on oral health behaviours and eating habits was submitted to both groups. WD patients were interviewed on long-term pharmacological therapies undertaken. Statistical analysis was performed.

The mean DMFT value was 3.75±4.65 in the WD group and 2.81±4.65 in the control group. The difference in the mean DMFT value between the two groups was not statistically significant. Modified Dental Enamel Defects (DDE) Index showed significantly higher values in WD group than in control group. No statistical differences in Visible Plaque Index (VPI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and malocclusions were observed between groups. In relation to the questionnaire, the differences between groups were statistically significant for: dental visits in a year; brushing teeth after a snack; drinking soft beverages; using mouthwash. For WD patients no statistical correlation between oral health status and long-term pharmacological therapies undertaken was observed.

WD patients did not show worse oral health conditions than the control group, despite worse oral health behaviours and eating habits. Nerveless, WD patients showed higher presence of dental enamel defects. Finally, for WD group oral health status was not correlated to the long-term pharmacological therapies.