Oral health of children with congenital cardiac disease: a controlled study

LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER
Dental Residency Program
Literature Review Form

Resident: Boboia Date: 1/8/10
Article title: Oral health of children with congenital cardiac disease: a controlled study
Author(s): Hallet et all
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Volume #; Number; Page #s): 14:4
Year: 1992
Introduction : The dental management of children with (Congential Cardiac Disease) CCD needs special considerations for the following reasons: predisposition to infective endocarditis for bacteremia induced dental procedures / poor oral health, reduced tolerance to stress induced by dental treatment, complications of CCD (hematologic, respiratory, and immunological).
Patients and Methods:
39 children with CCD and 33 healthy control siblings attending the dental clinic in Prince Charles’ Hospital (Brisbane); dental / medical histories, diet histories, oral exams were performed. Oral soft tissues were examined using a mouth mirror, perio tissues were not probed at first exam due to bacteremia. Teeth were examined for discolorations, developmental abnormalities, and caries. OH status was assessed using plaque index.
Results:
52% of children with CCD had enamel hypoplasia, compared with only 23% in the control group. CCD children also had significantly more teeth with untreated dental decay and more endodontically treated teeth. CCD children also had also had less then optimal professional and home dental care. Only 31% had professional advice regarding increased preventative dental health behavior, and only 15% used fluoride supplements. Significantly fewer CCD children had help with brushing (41%) compared with controls (70%).

Discussion:
Children with CCD suffer poorer oral health compared with control siblings. This was particularly evident in primary dentitions. Twice as many children with CCD had developmental defects and suffered from a higher prevalence of mesiocclusion and crowding, compared with unaffected children.

Conclusions:
Children with CCD should be targeted for vigorous preventive dental care