Oral health care knowledge among Phenylketonuria patients in the Latvian population

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism that results from a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Patients with PKU rely on amino acid mixtures and low-protein diets, which often exhibit an acidic nature and pose various challenges to oral health. The objective of the study was to evaluate oral care habits of PKU patients in Latvia and the impact of the recommendations developed on improving oral care.

In this study, during a one-month interval before and after the implementation of oral hygiene recommendations, questionnaires were distributed to all patients with PKU diagnosed in Latvia, with a response rate of 78 % (79 of 101).

The group older and 18 years of age showed a poorer understanding of oral care even after receiving recommendations, 82 % brushing their teeth twice a day (92 % in the group <18 years of age), continuing 57 % rinsing their mouth after using amino acid formula (75 % in the younger group). Significant improvements were observed only in the respondent group younger than 18 years of age - including increases in toothbrushing twice a day by 25 % (p = 0.001), dental flossing by 23 % (p = 0.001), mouth rinsing after amino acid-based formula by 13 % (p = 0.020).

This study concludes that PKU patients older and 18 years of age have a poor understanding of maintaining oral hygiene and the use of the necessary supplements to improve it. Activities are needed in the future that would regularly remind and motivate PKU patients to take care of their oral health.