Abstract
Objectives The objective of our study was to assess the current knowledge, the oral health status,
and the pro-health needs of patients with hemophilia.
Materials and Methods The study included 77 patients with known hemophilia. The study included the assessment
of dental indicators related to caries incidence (decayed, missing, and filled teeth
[DMFT] and decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth or surfaces [DMFS]), caries
treatment (treatment index), oral hygiene status (Approximal Plaque Index [API] and
simplified oral hygiene index [OHI-S]), and periodontal status (bleeding on probing
[BoP]). A questionnaire addressed symptoms of hemorrhagic diathesis and health-promoting
habits. The influence of routine management (“on-demand” vs. prophylactic therapy),
type of hemophilia (A, B), and severity of clotting factor deficiency (mild, moderate,
or severe) on oral health was assessed.
Statistical Analysis The tests used in the study were Shapiro–Wilk, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and
Dunn's tests. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results Patients with hemophilia showed a higher prevalence of caries compared with patients
without hemorrhagic diathesis (DMFT 14 and 9, and DMFS 30 and 15, respectively), and
they also presented a higher bleeding index value during probing and worse effectiveness
of hygienic interdental procedures. The type of therapy and secondary prophylaxis
used and the type and severity of hemophilia did not affect the oral health status.
Conclusions Patients with hemophilia have an increased risk of developing dental caries. Undertaking
educational activities related to the prevention of oral diseases is necessary to
improve oral health.
Keywords
Hemophilia A - Hemophilia B - Oral hygiene - Oral health - Dental caries
