Dental Complications of Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Sickle cell is a complex inherited molecular disorder of hemoglobin structure. Recurrent painful vaso-occlusive crises are its hallmark. In addition, it is associated with chronic hemolytic anemia and its consequences that often require blood transfusion. Moreover, infection and progressive organ and tissue damage result in several morbidities and increased mortality. Almost all body organs and tissues are affected including the nervous, cardiopulmonary, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, genitourinary, endocrine and dermatologic systems. Although most of these systems are relatively well described and studied, a few other systems have been neglected. Most common among these is the otolaryngological and dental systems despite the fact that patients and providers are aware that dental problems among patients with sickle cell disease are common and are often associated with other complications of the disease. This review describes the known dental complications of sickle cell disease with the hope that it may generate more studies and clinical trials on this neglected aspect of sickle cell disease.