Oral Health Status of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Attending Paediatric Clinic at University College Hospital, Ibadan

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the most prevalent inherited hemoglobinopathies in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria bearing the highest global burden. Patients with SCD face unique oral and maxillofacial manifestations including mandibular bone infarction, orofacial pain crises, delayed tooth eruption, and enamel defects. This descriptive cross-sectional study assesses the oral health status and maxillofacial manifestations of pediatric patients with SCD attending the hematology outpatient clinic at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, South West Nigeria. Sixty-five patients aged 5 to 18 years were examined using standardized World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment criteria. Data collected include dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT), periodontal health, occlusal abnormalities, radiographic bone changes, and reported orofacial pain episodes. Results indicate higher caries prevalence compared to age-matched controls without SCD, along with a significant proportion demonstrating enamel hypoplasia and delayed eruption patterns. Mandibular bone trabecular changes were observed radiographically in older adolescents. Most patients had received no dental assessment during routine SCD follow-up visits. The study recommends the formal integration of oral health assessment into the multidisciplinary management protocols for SCD at UCH and similar institutions in the South West zone. Keywords: sickle cell disease, oral health, mandibular bone, dental caries, Ibadan.