Oral and Dental Health in Children with Chronic Liver Disease in the Turkey Northeast

Abstract

Background: It is important to be aware of oral and dental problems in the early period in children with chronic liver disease (CLD) to prevent late complications. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the oral and dental health status in children with CLD. Methods: The three groups of children (3–18 years old); Group 1 (disease group, n = 31) patients with CLD, Group 2 (disease control group, n = 17) patients with chronic renal failure, and Group 3 healthy children (control group, n = 35). Examination of oral and dental structures were made, and then salivary parameters were analyzed. Antegonial index were calculated from panoramic X‑rays. Results: Enamel hypoplasia was found in 54.8%, 41.1%, and 31.4% of the children in the Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P1‑3 < 0.05). High salivary buffer capacity was found in 45.2% and 70.6% of the patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, and 45.7% of the children in healthy group, (P1‑2 and P2‑3 < 0.05). Factors associated with enamel hypoplasia in patients with CLD were male gender (64.7% vs. 21.4%, P < 0.05) and the presence of malnutrition (41.1% vs. 7.1%, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Pediatric hepatologists must be aware of the dental problems in children with CLD. Enamel hypoplasia is common in children with CLD, and it may predispose to dental caries.

Keywords: Chronic liver disease, dental health, enamel hypoplasia