Phenytoin, folic acid and gingival enlargement: Breaking myths

A case report on dental management of a toddler with Pachygyria

Children with special health care needs receive less oral care than the normal population, inspite of the high level of dental diseases among them. They are at an increased risk for oral diseases throughout their lifetime. This paper reports a case of a toddler with congenital unusual thick convolutions of the cortex resulting in a condition called pachygyria. Intra oral examination showed multiple abscesses with poor oral hygiene. As the patient was lacking cooperative ability, treatment of full mouth rehabilitation as needed. The parents were advised for regular dental check-ups and informed about maintenance of good oral hygiene. This case report demonstrates the importance of oral hygiene maintenance of special children and also about their short and long term dental treatment protocol for maintaining good oral health. Key words:Pachygyria, general anaesthesia, special child, health care needs, preventive measures.

Assessment of oral side effects of Antiepileptic drugs and traumatic oro-facial injuries encountered in Epileptic children

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder with unpredictably recurring seizure. Uncontrolled attacks can put patients at risk of suffering oro-facial trauma. Antiepileptic drugs (AED) provide satisfactory control of seizures in most of the patients with epilepsy. However use of AED has been found to cause many side effects inclusive of side effects in the oral cavity also.

MATERIALS & METHODS

This study was conducted on 150 epileptic children, who were on anti epileptic medication for one year.

RESULTS

Gingival over growth was seen as common side effect of the AED drugs. Lip and cheek biting were the most common soft tissue injury, while tooth fracture was the most common hard tissue dental injury.

CONCLUSION

General physicians, physicians & dentists should be well aware of the potential side effects of AED. A Dentist should be well versed and trained to manage oro-facial injuries in the emergency department. How to cite the article: Ghafoor PA, Rafeeq M, Dubey A. Assessment of oral side effects of Antiepileptic drugs and traumaticoro-facial injuries encountered in Epileptic children. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(2):126-8.