Study of the dental health of children in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Northern Ireland.

Abstract

The dental health of 54 children in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was compared with a similar number of matched healthy control subjects. Frequency of dental attendance was similar in both groups but most children in remission from leukaemia attended a hospital dentist, whereas children in the control group visited a dentist in general practice or in the public health service. Children in remission from leukaemia used fluoride supplements significantly more frequently than their controls. There was no difference in plaque or gingivitis scores between groups. Children in remission from leukaemia had a significantly lower number of decayed primary teeth (d) than their matched controls but there were no significant differences between study and control groups of m, f or dmft values. There was a significantly greater number of extracted teeth (M) and a significantly greater overall decay experience (DMFT) in the permanent dentition of children in remission from leukaemia compared to their controls. There were no significant differences between study and control groups for D or F values. The mean number of sealed teeth per patient was significantly higher in the study than in the control group.