Oral Health Of Children With Congenital Heart Disease In Comparison With Their Healthy Siblings And Knowledge And Attitude Of Their Parents

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are congenital problems that occurring in the heart or its great blood vessels. Some studies found the oral health among children with CHD same as in healthy children, the majority of studies revealed that CHD children have poorer oral health than healthy children. Aim: the aim of this cross sectional comparative study, assessment of oral health status and treatment needs among Libyan children diagnosed with CHD. Materials And Methods: total of 162 children were participated in the study, divided equally into two groups, eighty one children in each group, the first group contain children with CHD, the second group contain their healthy siblings. Caries experience was assessed by using dmft, DMFT indices, oral hygiene assessed by OHI-S, and assessment of developmental dental defects, comparison done between the tow groups. The parents were asked about the oral health practice for their children, the knowledge about the oral health and its relation to cardiac health. Result: the result of the present study shows generally children CHD have higher numbers of decayed, teeth in both primary and permanent dentition, however, the only statically significant differences was observed in primary dentition. Regarding to OHI-S there was significant difference between the two groups. In dental anomalies there was significant difference between the two groups. Regarding to teeth brushing, no significant difference between the two groups. Regarding to parent’s knowledge the parents have poor knowledge about the oral health importance and its relation to cardiac health, and the need for antibiotic prophylaxis before dental treatment.