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Hieronymus H, Aydin S, Frese C, Huck M, Wolff D, Sekundo C. Dental treatment of children with special healthcare needs: A retrospective study of 10 years of treatment. Int J Paediatr Dent 2024. [PMID: 38594884 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) often face oral health challenges. This retrospective cross-sectional study at a university hospital aimed to determine CSHCN's medical spectrum, dental treatment needs, and mode of treatment: general anesthesia (GA) or outpatient dental care (ODC). DESIGN Data from the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University Hospital, 2012-2022, were reviewed, considering age, gender, International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnoses, caries experience (dmft/DMFT), restorative parameters, and treatment under GA/ODC. For patients under GA, their American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was considered. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression were utilized. RESULTS Of 669 patients, congenital and chromosomal malformations (34.7%), diseases of the nervous system (19.1%), and mental and behavioral disorders (16.0%) were mainly diagnosed. Dentin caries prevalence was high at 79.1%, with treatments performed mainly under GA (51.4%). The odds of receiving treatment under GA decreased with patient age and increased with higher dmft/DMFT scores. Most under GA were classified as ASA 3 (51.7%), indicating high anesthesia risks. CONCLUSION Children with special healthcare needs often have diseases that can lead to higher challenges related to cooperation. The high prevalence of dentin caries underscores the substantial need for dental treatments, which were consequently often performed under GA, despite the associated risks. These findings stress the need for trained dental professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hieronymus
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Selin Aydin
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Frese
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Huck
- Clinic for Anesthesiology, Heidelberg University, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Wolff
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caroline Sekundo
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Chipirliu O, Crăciun MV, Matei MN. Comparative Clinical Study on Periodontal Health Status and Early Diagnosis of Periodontal Diseases Quantified through Clinical Periodontal Indices on a Group of Children and Adolescents with and without Cardiovascular Diseases. Pediatr Rep 2023; 16:1-20. [PMID: 38251310 PMCID: PMC10801528 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that bacterial plaque is the main etiological factor that causes the appearance of periodontal diseases and carious disease. Periodontal diseases can affect children and adolescents and are manifested in the form of gingivitis, but also the early form of chronic periodontitis as well as aggressive marginal periodontitis associated with local or general factors. Early periodontitis is frequently undiagnosed by clinicians due to a lack of knowledge of the specific symptoms. Certain systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, can create favorable conditions for the appearance and progression of severe manifestations of periodontal disease; also, recent research highlights that individuals with periodontal disease present an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Children with congenital or acquired cardiovascular diseases are at increased risk for complications resulting from the growth of microorganisms in the oral cavity, presenting a risk of infective endocarditis. The specific aim was to highlight the existing differences between the periodontal health of children with cardiovascular diseases and that of children without these diseases. The analyzed group included 124 patients, represented by children and adolescents, aged between 7 and 17 years, who were divided into four subgroups depending on the presence or absence of cardiovascular diseases and periodontal disease. A specialized clinical examination was performed for each patient, and periodontal clinical parameters were quantified (plaque index, gingival bleeding index, gingival index, community periodontal index of treatment needs) and associated with the diagnosis of general condition. Patients diagnosed with periodontal disease underwent specialized treatment and were called to a control visit 3 months after treatment. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between subgroups with much higher values of clinical parameters for patients with cardiovascular disease. Also, the response to the treatment was better in the case of patients in the control subgroup without cardiovascular diseases. The present study highlighted the interaction of three factors in the progression of periodontal diseases: subgingival microbiota, immune system response and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Chipirliu
- Research Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 47 Domneasca Str., 800181 Galati, Romania; (M.V.C.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Marian Viorel Crăciun
- Research Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 47 Domneasca Str., 800181 Galati, Romania; (M.V.C.); (M.N.M.)
- Research Centre in the Faculty of Automation, Computers, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111 Domneasca Str., 800181 Galati, Romania
| | - Madalina Nicoleta Matei
- Research Centre in the Medical-Pharmaceutical Field, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 47 Domneasca Str., 800181 Galati, Romania; (M.V.C.); (M.N.M.)
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Karikoski E, Sarkola T, Blomqvist M. Early Counseling to Improve Oral Health Behavior in Children with Major Congenital Heart Defects: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Caries Res 2023; 57:563-574. [PMID: 37442113 DOI: 10.1159/000531817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining optimal oral health behavior in children with a congenital heart defect (CHD) is important in managing the risk for caries development and infective endocarditis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an early and repeat oral health promotion intervention (OHPI) among children with major CHD. Randomized controlled trial including 72 out of 91 children born in Finland April 1, 2017-October 31, 2020 with (a) major CHD potentially included in the criteria of endocarditis prophylaxis or (b) any CHD with surgical repair combined with a chromosomal syndrome. A parallel passive control (C) group of 87 healthy children were recruited at birth. CHD children were randomized 1:1 to intervention (CHD-I) and control (CHD-C) groups. The OHPI included counseling by motivational interviewing, home delivered toothpaste and toothbrushes, and written information, and was provided at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months of age to CHD-I group. The primary outcome measure at 24 months was child's oral health behavior (toothbrushing, sugar intake, and dental care contact). The secondary outcome measures were parents' awareness of the importance of oral health behavior, and oral health behavior as a predictor for child behavior. At 24 months, toothbrushing was performed twice a day in 20/27 (74%) among CHD-I, in 13/30 (43%) among CHD-C (CHD-I vs. CHD-C p = 0.03), and in 37/50 (74%) among healthy comparisons (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.01). Electric toothbrush use was 12/27 (44%) in CHD-I, 5/30 (17%) in CHD-C (CHD-I vs. CHD-C p = 0.04), and 7/50 (14%) in healthy comparison (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.76) children. Among CHD-I, toothbrushing and use of electric toothbrush improved between 12 months and 24 months. Sugar drink intake was more common among CHD-C (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.02), but comparable to CHD-I children. Parental toothbrushing predicted child toothbrushing twice a day. There were no statistical group differences in dental care contact. Children with CHD are at risk for poor oral health behavior. This could be improved with early and repeat oral health promotion parental counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi Karikoski
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taisto Sarkola
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - My Blomqvist
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Koerdt S, Hartz J, Hollatz S, Heiland M, Neckel N, Ewert P, Oberhoffer R, Deppe H. Prevalence of dental caries in children with congenital heart disease. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:711. [PMID: 36510161 PMCID: PMC9743505 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03769-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital heart defects (CHD) affect about 8 out of 1000 births worldwide. Most of the patients reach adulthood and are exposed to an increased risk of endocarditis. Since bacteria already enter the bloodstream during everyday activities, oral hygiene is given special importance in the prevention of endocarditis. METHODS In this study 81 boys (55.1%) and 66 (44.9%) girls with CHD received a dental exam and additionally an assessment using the DIAGNOdent® pen. This study group consisting of patients with CHD was matched with a healthy epidemiological control group in Germany. RESULTS Eighty-one boys (55.1%) and 66 (44.9%) girls were examined. The mean age was 11 ± 4 years. 38.8% showed at least one untreated carious lesions. 37.4% had a dmft/DMFT ≥2 and thus represented a group with an increased caries risk. The dmft value was 2.12 ± 1.25 in the age group 3-6 year olds. In the group of the 7-12 year old patients the DMFT/dmft was 2.06 ± 2.27, whereas DMFT in 13-17 year olds was at 2.12 ± 1.58. However, children and adolescents with CHD had a higher DMF index than healthy children in the same age group. CONCLUSIONS The present study reveals that more than one third of those examined have a dental condition in need of rehabilitation. In future, close interdisciplinary cooperation between pediatric cardiologists and dentists should ensure regular dental check-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Koerdt
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Hartz
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Str. 22, D-81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Hollatz
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Chair of preventive pediatrics, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, D-80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Max Heiland
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Neckel
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Ewert
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, German Heart Center, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lazarettstraße 36, D-80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Renate Oberhoffer
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Chair of preventive pediatrics, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, D-80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Herbert Deppe
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Str. 22, D-81675 Munich, Germany
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Callé A, Furtado MCDC, Manso PH, Fonseca LMM, Dessotte CAM, Carvalho BM. Going home after a child's cardiac surgery: education for safe care. Rev Bras Enferm 2021; 74:e20201163. [PMID: 34406274 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to validate the content and appearance of the booklet "Going home after a child's cardiac surgery" and assess family members' cognitive learning regarding its use. METHODS a methodological and quasi-experimental study of before and after type, with semi-structured interview, pre-test and reading of the booklet in a hospital; post-test and validation occurred after hospital discharge. Wilcoxon non-parametric statistics were used. RESULTS nineteen family members of children with heart disease participated. The average of correct answers increased 14 percentage points from pre- to post-test; most were medication errors. There was a significant difference (p <0.0001) in the comparison between cognitive knowledge prior to using the booklet and learning acquired from its use. All items received a positive rating, except font size. CONCLUSIONS the booklet helps family members to understand a child's needs after cardiac surgery, and can be used to prevent unwanted occurrences and enable safe care at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Callé
- Universidade de São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Luong HM, Nguyen TT, Tran HT, Tran PT, Nguyen PN, Nguyen HT, Nguyen DM, Duc HTT, Tong SM. Oro-Dental Health and Primary Nephrotic Syndrome among Vietnamese Children. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8060494. [PMID: 34200617 PMCID: PMC8229337 DOI: 10.3390/children8060494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) is common in children, affecting the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. This study aimed to investigate the percentage of dental caries, gingivitis, hypertrophic gingivitis, and developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in children with PNS. The association of PNS with these diseases and oral care behavior was also assessed. A total of 407 children with PNS and 407 age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. PNS was diagnosed based on blood and urinary tests. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), the Gingival Index (GI), the Gingival Overgrowth Index (GOI), the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (dmft/DMFT), and DDE were collected. The PNS patients showed significantly higher scores of OHI-S, GI, and dmft, and higher proportions of dental caries and DDE than those of the controls (p < 0.001). It is necessary to establish a periodic dental protocol for PNS patients to improve their oral health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Minh Luong
- School of Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (H.M.L.); (H.-T.T.); (P.T.T.); (P.-N.N.); (D.M.N.)
| | - Tra Thu Nguyen
- School of Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (H.M.L.); (H.-T.T.); (P.T.T.); (P.-N.N.); (D.M.N.)
- Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.T.N.); (S.M.T.)
| | - Huy-Thinh Tran
- School of Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (H.M.L.); (H.-T.T.); (P.T.T.); (P.-N.N.); (D.M.N.)
| | - Phung Thi Tran
- School of Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (H.M.L.); (H.-T.T.); (P.T.T.); (P.-N.N.); (D.M.N.)
- Health Economics, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Phuong-Nga Nguyen
- School of Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (H.M.L.); (H.-T.T.); (P.T.T.); (P.-N.N.); (D.M.N.)
| | - Huong Thu Nguyen
- Nephrology and Dialysis Department, National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;
| | - Duc Minh Nguyen
- School of Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (H.M.L.); (H.-T.T.); (P.T.T.); (P.-N.N.); (D.M.N.)
- Division of Research and Treatment for Oral Maxillofacial Congenital Anomalies, Aichi Gakuin University, Aichi 464-8651, Japan
| | - Hanh Tran Thi Duc
- Department of Epidemiology, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;
| | - Son Minh Tong
- School of Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (H.M.L.); (H.-T.T.); (P.T.T.); (P.-N.N.); (D.M.N.)
- Correspondence: (T.T.N.); (S.M.T.)
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Parental Awareness of Oral Health and Nutritional Behavior in Children with Congenital Heart Diseases Compared to Healthy Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17197057. [PMID: 32992501 PMCID: PMC7579597 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) seem to underestimate the importance of optimized oral health. The low priority for a good oral hygiene and a healthy diet can be a risk factor for odontogenic bacteremia and infective endocarditis. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the disease awareness and dental knowledge of the parents using a questionnaire. Therefore, parents from 107 children with CHD and a healthy control group (HCG) consisting of 101 children both aged 2 to 6 years were asked to complete a questionnaire containing items about the general health, oral hygiene behavior, preventive measures, dental visits and intake of potential drinks and cariogenic nutrition of their child. The results of the present study show that the CHD group had a poorer oral health behavior than the HCG. Healthy children brushed their teeth significantly more often (65.4%) than the CHD children (45.1%). Only 75% of CHD children used fluorides in their daily life in comparison to 86.6% of the healthy children, 8.7% of their parents neglected completely fluoride supplementation. Of all CHD children 23.1% in comparison to 8.1% of the controls had never visited a dentist before. Furthermore, the daily consumption of cariogenic food and drinks was generally higher in the CHD group. These findings demonstrate a need for improvement in parental knowledge of the efficiency of different measures to improve dental health. This important oral health for CHD children from the early stage of life is obvious, especially regarding their risk for odontogenic bacteria and infective endocarditis.
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Koruyucu M, Batu S, Bayram M, Uslu E, Guven Y, Seymen F. Saliva profiles in children with congenital heart disease. Eur Oral Res 2020; 54:48-54. [PMID: 32518911 PMCID: PMC7252533 DOI: 10.26650/eor.20200087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The low salivary pH and buffering capacity are caused by using heart failure
medications. For this reason oral health should be supported in cardiac patients,
it is necessary that they attend dental clinics for regular follow up. The aim of this
study is to evaluate the relationship between the salivary oxidative stress markers
and salivary pH, salivary buffering capacity, salivary flow rate and dental caries of
children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was carried out with 42 CHD and 42 healthy children. The
participants’ gender, age, general health and medications, and caries scores (dfs/
DMFS) were written down, then their unstimulated saliva samples were collected.
These specimens were evaluated in terms of the salivary secretion rate, salivary
buffering capacity, pH, protein levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ferric reducing
antioxidant power (FRAP), the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),
protein carbonyl, protein thiols, total sialic acid. Results: Both groups showed caries at similar levels. The salivary pH and buffering capacity
were significantly less in the children with CHD than in the controls. The levels of
TBARS and protein carbonyl were significantly higher in the children with CHD
than in the controls. There was not any significant difference relating to the mean
salivary secretion rate, protein levels, SOD, FRAP, protein thiols and total sialic acid. Conclusion: The elevated TBARS and protein carbonyl levels in the patients with CHD were
observed as an indicator of the free radical damage leading to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mine Koruyucu
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics, Istanbul,Turkey
| | - Sule Batu
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Bayram
- Istanbul Medipol University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics, Istanbul,Turkey
| | - Ezel Uslu
- Istanbul Cerrahpasa University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul,Turkey
| | - Yegane Guven
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Figen Seymen
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics, Istanbul,Turkey
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Hollatz S, Wacker-Gussmann A, Wilberg S, Folwaczny M, Neidenbach R, Kaemmerer H, Ewert P, Oberhoffer R. Awareness of oral health in adults with congenital heart disease. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2019; 9:S281-S291. [PMID: 31737536 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2019.01.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Poor oral health is known to be a risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE) and acquired cardiovascular disease. Many patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for developing IE. Excellent oral health is deemed essential to prevent IE, a potentially life-threatening condition, and therefore is important in adults with congenital heart defects (ACHD). As data on oral heath in ACHD are scarce, the current study aims to assess the prevalence of caries among ACHD and the knowledge of patients about oral health as a risk factor for IE and cardiovascular disease. Methods A cross-sectional study included ACHD who subsequently presented at the German Heart Center Munich. The participants completed a questionnaire assessing oral health and risk awareness. Additionally, as an indicator of caries prevalence, a dentist documented the DMFT index (sum of decayed, missing and filled teeth). Results The median age of the 112 participants was 31.5 (range, 18-77) years. Forty-three patients (38%) were unaware of a correlation between oral health and heart disease. Twelve participants (11%) did not know about poor oral health being a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Less than half of the surveyed patients knew the term endocarditis. An additional twelve patients (11%) reported caveats against dental treatment because of their CHD. In twenty-three patients (21%), caries was found at the dentine level. The mean DMFT index, representing caries prevalence, was 7.91 (±6.54). There was no correlation between the Bethesda criteria of CHD and the DMFT index (P=0.69). The DMFT index was higher in patients at high risk for IE (P<0.01). However, this difference in the caries score was mainly due to more extracted and filled teeth in the high-risk patients for IE, whereas the number of decayed teeth did not differ significantly (P=0.09). Conclusions The awareness of the importance of optimized oral health in ACHD needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hollatz
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Annette Wacker-Gussmann
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Saskia Wilberg
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Matthias Folwaczny
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Rhoia Neidenbach
- German Heart Center, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Harald Kaemmerer
- German Heart Center, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Peter Ewert
- German Heart Center, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Renate Oberhoffer
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
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