Comparative Evaluation of the Oral Hygiene Status and Prevalence of Dental Caries in Hemophiliac and non-Hemophiliac Patients

Aim & Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the oral hygiene status, caries experience, and prevalence of hemophiliac patients and non-Hemophilic controls. Material & Methods: The present study was carried out on 600 participants. The study population was divided into two groups of 300 each i.e., the case Group (Hemophilics) and the Control Group (non-Hemophilic). Hemophilic patients were taken from Hemophilia Day Care Centre, Lol Nayak Hospital, Delhi, and PGIMS Hospital Rohtak. Controls were recruited from among the relatives who came along with the hemophilic patients. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic details, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding oral health maintenance. Patients were clinically examined for DMFT index and Oral Hygiene Index- Simplified to assess caries experience and oral hygiene status. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: Mean age for the Case Group and Control Group was 18.47 +/- 6.22 and 19.19 +/- 6.09 respectively. Amongst the study population, 89.7% were having hemophilia A while 10.3% had hemophilia B. 72.3% suffered from severe hemophilia while 0.7% had the mild form. The caries prevalence was higher among hemophiliacs (74%) than among non-hemophiliacs 67%. DMFT score was significantly higher among hemophiliacs [permanent dentition (2.47 +/- 2.69), Primary dentition (0.33 +/- 1.26). The mean debris, calculus and overall OHI score were significantly higher among hemophiliacs (1.69 +/- 0.60, 0.93 +/- 0.66 & 2.63 +/- 1.07). Conclusion: Hemophiliacs have more Caries experience and poor oral hygiene status as compared to non-hemophiliacs Hemophiliacs patients are high-risk group, so they should be given more education and motivation about the importance of oral health care and preventive dental care such as fluoride varnish and fissure sealants should be delivered by professional at early stages.