Assessment of Oral Health Status and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life in Thalassemia Major Patients

Background and purpose: This study aimed at determining the oral health condition and oral health-related quality of life in thalassemia major patients attending Amirkola Thalassemia Center. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study a total of 250 patients with beta thalassemia major, was evaluated for mucosa condition and dental health (DMFT index). Oral health- related quality of life (OHIP-14, GOHAI) questionnaires and xerostomia questionnaire were completed by patients. Data was analyzed applying T-test and Chi-square in SPSS. Results: The mean age of patients was 25.55±8.7 and there were 55.2% female. Among the subjects 17.6% were suffering from xerostomia. The patients reported 26% good oral health, 57.2% moderate and 16.8% reported poor oral health. The need for treatment was seen in 39.6% of the participants. Patients' DMFT was 8.84±6.2. The main problems among the cases were mucosal pallor (38%), tooth discoloration (30%), recurrent aphthuos (20.4%), and pigmentation (11.6%). ADD mean of OHIP-14 was 59.54±10.52 (14 to 70) and ADD mean of GOHAI was 48.01±8.56 (12 to 60). We found that the oral health status affects psychological aspects of OHRQoL more than functional aspects. Patients with better self-rated oral heath were younger, had lower DMFT average and better oral health related quality of life Conclusion: Despite having a weak oral health, the patient's oral health related quality of life is not influenced by this concept