tooth damage after meningococcal septicaemia

Tooth damage after meningococcal

septicemia

Rebecca JohnConsultant, Senior Teaching Fellow in Paediatric Dentistry

University of Bristol

Tooth development

Why do teeth get affected with meningococcal septicaemia?

• Viral and bacterial infections in early childhood can disturb dental and orofacial development.

• Serious childhood infections increase the prevalence of dental defects

• Children are more susceptible to developmental defects than adults because they are in a critical stage of development

When do complications become apparent?• 7-8 years • Permanent teeth erupt with discoloration or• Permanent teeth fail to erupt

Which teeth are affected?

Teeth that are developing at the time of the infection.

Baby teeth often spared- Why?

Possible dental defects

• Discoloration of teeth• Defective enamel on teeth- prone to decay• Thin, rough teeth Premature loss of teeth• Malocclusion/Crowding of teeth/ gum disease• Missing teeth• Ectopic eruption of teeth- teeth erupting in the wrong place

Impact of dental problems

• Discomfort/ sensitive teeth• Socialization with peers• Self esteem• Prolonged treatment

What can you do to keep your teeth healthy?

• Eating well• Fluorides• Cleaning teeth• Sealants• Regular check up

Diet and sugar consumption

Fluorides

Toothpaste

X

No rinsing after brushing

X

Sealants

• What are sealants?

plastic coatings which are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars (back teeth)

Regular check up

Thank you