Dental Problems Associated with Hepatitis C Infection: A Report from Iran

Abstract

Background: Infection with hepatitis C virus is a problem with global importance. Patients with HCV infection experience a wide spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations, a number of which occur in the oral cavity. Despite a large number of reports exist on the association of some oral conditions with HCV infection, little is known about dental problems of HCV infected patients. Objectives: This study aimed at assessing dental problems in patients with HCV infection. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect patients’ demographic, oral health and HCV infection associated data. Plus, a routine dental screening was performed to obtain dental health status by using decayed teeth, missing teeth and filled teeth (DMF) index. Results: Seventy-three patients enrolled in this study. More than 40% of the participants brushed their teeth less than once a day and only 18 participants used dental floss. None of the participants routinely visited a dentist for dental checkups. Almost 40% of the participants expressed that they have not informed their dentist of their HCV infection and/or they would not do it in future. DMF index showed an average of 17.5 counting 5.8, 3.2 and 8.5 for decayed, missing and filled teeth respectively. History of drug abuse as well as brushing teeth showed significant association with DMFT in patients with HCV infection (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study showed poor oral health status among HCV infected individuals in Iran. Patients education about dental common conditions associated with HCV might help in improving their oral health status. Routine periodical dental check up in patients with HCV is recommended.