Oral manifestations and dentofacial anomalies in β-thalassemia major children in Dubai (UAE).

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to identify special oral and dentofacial manifestations of β-thalassemia major (ΒTM) in Emarati children in Dubai (UAE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 (ΒTM) and 76 healthy Emirati children were recruited. An oral examination was conducted to determine dmft/DMFT indices, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, occlusal anomalies, dentofacial, and soft-tissue abnormalities.

RESULTS: ΒTM children had significantly higher DMFT compared to the healthy controls (p-value, 0.017). The Met Need Index (MNI) and the Restorative Index (RI) were lower in the ΒTM group but without statistical significance. Calculus Index (CI) was found to be significantly higher in ΒTM children (p-value, 0.002). The proportion of gingivitis was significantly lower in the ΒTM group (p-value, 0.009). ΒTM children had significantly higher proportion of retained primary teeth (p-value, 0.001) and gingival pigmentation compared with healthy controls (p-value, 0.001). BTM children did not have any statistically significant difference in the Angle molar classiication compared to the control. Interestigly, a significantly higher proportion of transverse cross bite was found in the control subjects compared to the BTM group (p-value, 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: Significantly higher DMFT, retained primary teeth, gingival pigmentation, and CI was found in the BTM group compared to the controls while significantly lower gingivitis index and transverse cross bite was seen in the BTM group.