Haemophilia and dental care
It is the lack of dental care, not the disorder, that can cause problems in persons with haemophilia. A proper preventive programme should be implemented to reduce tooth decay and maintain healthy gums. By restricting in-between-meal snacks, with regular brushing after meals and by taking the recommended amounts of fluoride (or drinking fluoridated water), fillings and extractions will be minimised.
‘Nursing bottle caries’ (holes) in the teeth of babies and toddlers will be avoided if these children are not given sugary drinks (including milk) in bottles when they go to bed. Providing deciduous teeth are not forcibly loosened or removed, they should pose little problem when they fall out naturally.
The extraction of teeth in any person with haemophilia requires close medical supervision so that pre-operative and post-operative replacement therapy and tranexamic acid can be given.
Good dental hygiene is regarded as essential. See the dentist who is part of the haemophilia care team for regular check-ups.
Last Reviewed: 24 May 2007
