Prevalence of dental abscess in a population of children with vitamin D-Resistant rickets

Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Lutheran Medical Center

Resident’s Name: Derek Banks Date: June 5, 2009
Article title: Prevalence of dental abscess in a population of children with vitamin D-Resistant rickets
Author(s): A McWhorter, N Seale
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Volume (number): 13:2
Month, Year: 1991
Major topic: Metabolic Disorders
Minor topic(s): Vitamin D-Resistant Rickets (VDRR)
Type of Article: Retrospective study
Main Purpose: Evaluate prevalence and contributing factors to abscess in children with VDRR
Overview of method of research: Examining dental records, taking oral histories from parents, guardians, or family dentists, and examining patients
Findings: Out of 25 patients with VDRR, 6 had experienced a dental abscess. Of these six, however, there were 42 total abscesses altogether. 34 of the 42 abscessed without gross caries or previous treatment and the remaining 8 abscessed after receiving treatment and were all posterior teeth. 57% were anterior and 43% posterior. Mandibular and maxillary teeth were involved equally. Sequence of teeth effected loosely followed eruption pattern. No direct correlation could be made between radiographic abnormalities (e.g. pulp chambers extending to the DEJ) and abscess. Most abscesses occurred in patients taking higher dosages of vitamin D, indicating a correlation between the severity of the disease and susceptibility for dental abscess (or possibly a link between vitamin D supplement and susceptibility for abscess?). None of the children in this study had only one abscess. Number of abscesses in ranged from 2-11 in patients who had abscesses. Presence of abscess, therefore, may be a good predictor for future abscess. The authors suggest prophylactic treatment (e.g. pulp/ssc) of primary molars may be indicated in patients with VDRR and a previous abscess.
Key points/Summary : Only 25% of patients with VDRR in this study had abscesses. Of the 25%, all had multiple abscesses. Presence of abscess may be correlated with severity of the disease.
Assessment of article: A larger sample size would be nice.