Oral health status of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy.

Study Design: A total of 94 patients of both sexes in the age group of 2-14 years who were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were selected for the study. The oral cavity was examined for dental caries using def-t and DMF-T indices, gingival status was evaluated by using the modified gingival index, and the WHO oral toxicity scale was used to record oral mucositis.

Results: Statistical analysis was done by using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Both DMF-T and def-t were highest in children during the maintenance phase of the chemotherapy followed by the induction therapy with radiotherapy (I 2 ) and induction therapy (I 1 ) phases. The prevalence of gingival inflammation was highest in the maintenance phase of the chemotherapy followed by the induction therapy with radiotherapy (I 2 ) and Induction therapy (I 1 ) phases. Signs and severity of oral mucositis were highest in children undergoing induction therapy with radiotherapy (I 2 ).

Conclusion: Good oral care is essential to maintain healthy oral cavity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as improvement in oral conditions may diminish their sufferings and prevent the spread of serious infections from oral cavity.