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Dental Health1,2,3

Do visit your dentist every six months for a check up. Good dental hygiene is a must, because immune deficiencies can lead to increased susceptibility to oral infections such as candidosis (thrush), necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (a bacterial infection of the gums previously known as trench mouth), and viral infections such as herpes simplex virus and the Coxsackie viral strains. In general, these infections are caused by the person being unable to mount an adequate immune response to infecting agents.

Do let your dentist know that you have primary immune deficiency, and provide him with your primary doctor's name and number.

Do check on the need for prophylactic therapy before a visit, especially if you have platelet deficiency. Some special precautions might be needed for dental surgery, extractions, persistent infections and bleeding.

Do check for signs of infection that may occur with loose teeth; antibiotics may be needed. The reassuring news is that normal loss of the first teeth and replacement by the second teeth occurs uneventfully in most PI patients.

Do see your dentist if infections or ulcerations develop; they can prescribe antiseptic/pain relieving mouth rinses or medications

Do plan for braces if needed, orthodonture is not a problem for PI patients.

  1. Davies R, Bedi R, Scully C. ABC of Oral Health, Oral Health Care for People with Special Needs. British Medical Journal. 2000; 321 (7259); 495-498. Available at http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1118393. Accessed August 27, 2007.
  2. Oral Health Topics A to Z. American Dental Association Website. 2007. Available at http://www.ada.org/public/topics/periodontal_diseases_faq.asp. Accessed August 27, 2007.
  3. Bruce AJ, Rogers RS. Acute Oral Ulcers. Dermatology Clinics Journal 2003;21:12 Available at http://derm.theclinics.com/issues/contents?issue_key=S0733-8635(00)X0004-6. Accessed August 27, 2007.