Case-Control Study to Evaluate the Oral Hygiene Habits in 31 Children with Hemophilia in Bulgaria Using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) Questionnaire

BACKGROUND: For patients with hereditary coagulopathies such as hemophilia, the most common dental problem is spontaneous oral bleeding caused by daily oral hygiene habits like tooth brushing. Because of fear of bleeding, children with hemophilia often skip routine oral hygiene procedures, which can lead to dental caries and periodontal diseases. This case control study aimed to evaluate the oral hygiene awareness and hygiene practices of children with hemophilia from 6 to 18 years of age in Bulgaria. MATERIAL/METHODS: This study was conducted over 4 years and included 31 patients (children). A sociological approach was used, with direct individual questionnaires for self-assessment of dental habits. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in methods of oral hygiene. The duration of oral hygiene procedures was 1 min (n=5, 16.13±6.61%) or 2 min (n=13, 41.94±8.86%), which was considered insufficient for proper oral hygiene. Children who had received oral hygiene advice by a dentist brushed their teeth significantly longer (n=9, 69.23±12.80%) than those who had not. There was a considerable difference between the reasons for the last dental visit between the groups of children (χ(2)=5.18, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children with hemophilia have high awareness of oral hygiene methods; however, more attention should be focused on additional individual educational methods at the dental office. Frequent professional and self-assessment of the oral hygiene routine of children with hemophilia could identify the factors compromising dental status in this vulnerable population.