Prevalence of orofacial alterations in sickle cell disease: a review of literature

Aim: To evaluate the manifestations of sickle cell disease on the orofacial complex through a review of current literature concerning prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders and radiographic alterations of maxillofacial bones.
Methods: Full-text papers retrieved from MEDLINE and LILACS electronic databases were critically reviewed.
Results: Alterations of maxillofacial bones are well documented in the literature, but studies reporting caries, periodontal condition and temporomandibular joint alterations in are scarce and inconclusive.
Conclusion: Further well-designed epidemiological studies are needed to indicate the real impact of this disease on the stomatognathic health, collaborating to improve public health policies.

Keywords
sickle cell anemia; hemoglobin C disease; dental caries; periodontal diseases; temporomandibular joint; diagnostic X-ray