Evaluation of the effects of family mMediterranean Fever (FMF) on oral and dental health of children and adolescents

Aim. It is the clinical and radiological evaluation of oral hygiene, teeth and surrounding tissues in children and adolescents diagnosed with FMF and comparing the results with healthy individuals. Method. Our study included patients aged 6-15, 45 with FMF (study group) and 45 healthy (control group), who were referred from Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic and evaluated at Akdeniz University Faculty of Dentistry Pedodontics Clinic. MEFV gene mutations were investigated in the study group. After recording the demographic and clinical characteristics of both groups, intraoral examinations were performed and DMFT, dft, bruxism, tooth wear due to bruxism and gingival/plaque indexes were evaluated. Saliva pH, flow rate and buffering capacity were measured. Tooth age was determined by the Cameriere method, The mesio-distal dimensions of the teeth were measured on the plaster model. Results. 26 (57.8%) of the patients in study group were female and 19 (42.2%) were male, the mean age was 10.88±2.97 years, mean age of control group was 10.67±2.02. There was no significant difference in DMFT (p=0.894), dft (p=0.882), OHI-S (p=0.280) and MGI (p=0.212) parameters between study and control groups. There was no difference in saliva pH (p=0.051), saliva buffering capacity (p=0.845), salivary flow rate (p=0.125) between two groups. Aphthous lesions were observed in 46.6% of patients in the study group, tooth wear due to bruxism was observed 80%. While the difference between dental age and chronological age was -0.76±0.86 in the study group, it was -0.45±0.84 in the control group (p=0.086). Only the mesio-distal size of tooth number 63 was found to be significantly higher in the control group (p=0.041). Conclusion. Recurrent oral aphthous lesions and periodontitis can be seen in FMF patients. The quality of life affected by children with FMF due to the difference in the time of diagnosis and/or not receiving treatment regularly affects their psychology negatively, which explains the reason for the emergence of bruxism. For these reasons, regular control of AAA patients by both pediatric rheumatologists and pedodontists will improve the quality of life of these patients and positively affect oral dental health. Key words: FMF, DMFT, saliva pH, bruxism