Dental caries and growth impairment among children with thalassemia major in relation to some salivary constituents

Background: A single gene mutation causes beta-thalassemia, an autosomal recessive disorder. It's hemolytic anemia that needs constant blood transfusions for life. In children and adolescents with thalassemia major, no clear concepts are found concerning the association between beta-thalassemia and growth retardation is a common side effect. Saliva contains a variety of biochemists, which may affect the severity of dental caries. Aim: This research aimed to evaluate the link between β -thalassemia major, dental caries and growth impairment in relation to some salivary constituents. Materials and Method: As part of an investigation at the Basra/Iraqi Thalassemia Center, 40 thalassemic children aged 10 to 12 were compared to 40 healthy controls in terms of dental caries (who were the same age and gender as the study group). Anthropometric measurements were used to assess their physical development. A sample of unstimulated whole saliva was taken from each child to determine salivary calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme concentrations. Result: For both the primary and permanent dentition, dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT) was higher among β-thalassemic children, with a statistically significant difference. A higher percentage of thalassemic youngsters were found to be underweight. Although salivary constituents like calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme were higher in the control group than in the study group, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Dental caries and growth impairment were associated with beta-thalassemia major.