Observational Study on the Management of Children with Systemic Diseases During Dental Treatment

Background/Aim: While improvements in oral health can sometimes lead to improvements in systemic diseases, certain systemic diseases such as heart disease require consideration during dental treatment. In clinical pediatric dentistry, dental professionals may encounter the pediatric patient with systemic diseases, and should consult with physicians regarding the overall health status of their patients with systemic diseases before dental procedures. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the responses to letters of inquiry made to external medical institutions regarding the overall physical condition of patients during a 5-year period (2021-2025). The survey items were the gender, age, aim of letter, systemic disease, and physician responses and instructions. Result: A total of 48 letters of inquiry were found, of which 34 were initial confirmations and 14 were reconfirmations. In children aged ≤5 years, the common aim was oral management or caries treatment, and the proportion of surgical procedures increased with age. Among the systemic diseases involved, the diseases of the circulatory system such as congenital heart disease were the most common, with 70% of initial confirmations leading to premedication with antibiotics prior to invasive dental procedures. Although many responses remained unchanged upon reconfirmation, the responses for some patients changed. Conclusions: This study shows the importance of dental professionals consulting with physicians regarding the health condition of patients with systemic diseases before oral management. Furthermore, a single confirmation is insufficient, and the information must be regularly updated.