An epidemiologic assessment on the oral manifestations of B thalasemia in-patients referred to oncology wards in Tehran during 2000-2001

B thalasemia had been reported as a highly, prevalent genetic disorder in the Middle East region associated with some dental and periodontal complications. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of dental and periodontal problems in thalasemic sufferers. A group of 100 B thalasemic patients referred to the Hematology wards in selected university hospitals in north eastern region of Tehran were investigated for rise in upper lip, prominecy of the cheek, pale mucosa, premaxillary expansion, crudely saddled nose, dental caries rate and periodontal status. Data were recorded and rates were compared with their percentile. Early diagnose of the disease was shown to play important introductions of future complications including orofocial region. This was due to on time commencement of the blood transfusion leading to a more natural growth. Appropriate and on time blood transfusions in thalasemic children could clearly prevent many of the future orofocial complications.