Periodontal Health Status among 6-12 years patients with Beta- thalassemia Major Syndrome in Baghdad –Iraq.

Abstract

Thalassemia constitutes a form of anemia that has clear problems in relation to
oral and dental health.
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and severity of periodontal
diseases among patients with β-thalassemia major (βtm) at (6-12) years of age in
Baghdad city in comparison to healthy control.
Our study sample comprised 50 patients of both sexes were examined ,who were
attending the thalassemia center in Al-Karama Hospital .A similar number of healthy
control matching with age and gender were involved .
Plaque index of Silness &Löe (1964) and Calculus index of Ramfjord (1959) were
used to assess oral cleanliness (dental plaque and dental calculus respectively).
Gingival index of Löe &Silness (1963) was used for recording gingival health
condition.
Results were generally observed a poor oral hygiene .Highly significant difference
in means of plaque index (1.902±0.68, 0.9384±0.51) and gingival index (1.390± 0.94,
0.840± 0.46) between βtm and control groups respectively, while not significant in
mean of calculus index (0.470± 0.63, 0.3362± 0.42) between groups.
The present study showed that most patients with β-thalassemia major were
affected by gingivitis of moderate type (38%), while most of control of mild type
(76%).