Changes in the oral health of children during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Thirty children diagnosed as suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were followed up for between 6 months and 1 year during their treatment for the disease. Dental examinations were carried out at approximately monthly intervals for caries, gingival condition, plaque and calculus. The results showed a significant deterioration in gingival condition, but there were no significant changes in the amounts of plaque and calculus. No new carious lesions developed in any of the children's teeth during the study period.