Oral health findings and dental behaviour in children with familial mediterranean fever: a case-control study.

backgroundFamilial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease that affects children's emotional well-being due to recurrent pain attacks. It can significantly impact oral health and compliance during dental examinations. This study aimed to investigate whether there were differences between children diagnosed with FMF and healthy children in terms of dental findings (DMFT/dmft, gingival index, plaque index, bruxism, saliva pH), compliance with dental examination (Frankl behaviour scale), and parental dental anxiety (C-DAS). Additionally, the effects of age, gender, age of symptom onset, age at diagnosis, colchicine dosage, attack frequency, hospitalisation, and disease severity on dental findings and compliance with dental examination were investigated using regression analyses in the FMF group.

methodsA case-control study was conducted involving 60 children diagnosed with FMF and 60 healthy children matched for age and gender. The DMFT/dmft index, gingival and plaque index, presence of bruxism, saliva pH, Frankl score, and parental C-DAS scores were recorded for all participants. In the FMF group, Pras disease severity score, age of symptom onset, age at diagnosis, colchicine dose, and attack frequency were evaluated. Pearson's Chi-Square Test, Monte Carlo-Corrected Fisher's Exact Test, and Yates's Correction were used to examine associations between categorical variables and groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare differences between two independent groups for variables that did not follow a normal distribution. Linear Regression Analysis was used for normally distributed dependent variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

resultsThe prevalence of bruxism in the FMF group was significantly higher than in the healthy group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of DMFT/dmft, gingival index, plaque index, saliva pH, Frankl score and parental C-DAS scores (p > 0.05).

conclusionWhile oral health in children with FMF appears comparable to that of healthy children, a higher prevalence of bruxism was observed. Increased disease severity may reduce compliance with dental examinations. To help manage these issues, dentists should consider implementing regular monitoring and management plans for bruxism, such as stress-reduction techniques, oral appliances, and counselling on proper oral hygiene practices. The emotional state, disease severity, and pain experiences should be considered in dental management for children with FMF.