Background: Splenectomy is performed in β-thalassemia cases due to the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs), and the consequent splenomegaly.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare oral health and the caries risk between β-thalassemia patients with or without splenectomy, using the Cariogram.
Material and methods: In a cross-sectional study carried out in both the Maternity and Children Hospital and the King Fahad Hospital, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, interviews, salivary sampling and oral clinical examinations were performed on 60 children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major (mean age: 13 ±3 years; 65% with splenectomy). The Cariogram program was used to calculate the caries risk. The main outcome measures were the number of decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth (DMFT), plaque and gingival indices, and the caries risk.
Results: Of individuals with and without splenectomy, tooth brushing was reported in 49% and 57%, respectively (p > 0.05). Individuals with splenectomy had lower plaque and gingival bleeding scores (p ≤ 0.05). Salivary secretion was identical in both groups. Caries experience and the caries risk were higher in individuals without splenectomy (p > 0.05 and p ≤ 0.05, respectively).
Conclusions: Within the study limitations, children and adolescents with β-thalassemia had high plaque and gingival bleeding scores, as well as caries experience and caries risk. Those with splenectomy demonstrated lower figures than those without. Individuals with β-thalassemia, particularly those with splenectomy, need to be educated about the oral side effects of the disease and its treatment.
Keywords: beta thalassemia; caries risk; oral health; splenectomy.