Caries experience of leukemic children during intensive course of chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of dental caries in 64 leukemic children who received dental treatment before the initiation of chemotherapy and had intensive oral care during the course.

METHODS

Caries experience (deft/DMFT), white-spot lesions (enamel demineralization), premature primary molar extractions and carious first permanent molars were investigated before and after intensive therapy.

METHODS

Pediatric Dental Care Unit and Department of Pediatric Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludağ University.

RESULTS

The dental caries level was insignificantly higher following chemotherapy compared to the initial caries level. However the prevalence of white-spot lesions was significantly increased during the course. Caries level in 30 subjects (47%) remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Caries level in leukemic children, who were not caries-free before chemotherapy, could be stabilized by caries prevention methods such as frequent topical fluoride applications and fissure sealants, intensive oral care and improved self-care practices.