DMF Prevalence and Evaluation of OHI-S among ß-Thalassemia Major Patients

Due to the high prevalence-thalassemia in Khozestan provience and high rate of oral health problems among thalassemic patients, the aim of this study was therefore to estimate the DMF score and OHI-S indices among referring patients at our Thalassemia Centre in Ahwaz. In this descriptive cross-sectional study which was based on observation, interview and clinical examination carried out on 195-thalassemia major patients aged 12-36 years old. Out of 195 patients, 166 (80 boys and 86 girls) accepted to enter the study. The DMF and OHI-S was evaluated and the results were statistically analysed using variance analysis, Students t- test and correlation tests. The mean number for DMF in this study was 9.5, decayed teeth 8.74, filled teeth 0.33 and missed of un-erupted teeth 0.54. The mean OHI-S score was 2.72, DI index 1.20 and CI index 1.54. Occlusion, base on Angle’s classification, was 22.8% in class I, 55 % in class II and 21.6% in class III. There were significant correlations between brushing and OHI-S (P < 0.001), and betweeen dental visits and DMF. Gingival pigmentation was observed among 95.8% of cases.. As regard to gingival status: 6.4% had normal, 52.1 % had mild, 36.5 %had moderate and 6 % had severe gingival inflammation. Knowledge of OHI-S was good in 2.4%, moderate in 4.2% and poor in 78%. The results showed that the high prevalence of DMF and D index and moderate prevalence of OHI-S index as well as 88% of - thalassemia major patients had no awareness about oral hygiene, education of oral hygiene seems to be important in prevention of these oral complications. In addition, due to prevalence of Cl II mal occlusion among more than 50% of these patients which affects their general appearance maybe one of the reasons of not continuing their education. It seems that with improved aesthetic appearances may increase their interest in life and can greatly improve the health level and DMF index in these patients.