Effect of antiepileptic drugs on oral health status in epileptic patients

Abstract

SUMMARY P atients taking Antiepileptic drugs have a great incidence of suffering from dental problems than other children. There is a great incidence of gingival inflammation and gingival enlargement in patients taking multiple antiepileptic drugs and in patients taking Levetiracetam drug than patients taking Topiramate drug. In the recent years care about oral hygiene inceases in patients suffering from neurodevelopmental delay and in patients taking antiepileptics, as oral hygiene decrease the incidence of dental problems of these patients. The study aimed to determine the effect of antiepileptics on the oral health of the patients taking these drugs, we found the patients taking these drugs suffered from dental caries than the other children. In a cross sectional study of 60 patients selected from neurology clinic, pediatric hospital, faculty of medicine Ain Shams University compared to thirty age matched healthy controls. All patients were subjected to Full history taking with special emphasis. Demographic data: name, age, sex, parental consanguinity, similar condition in the family, Recent history of vaccination, Nutritional history, Neurological symptoms: convulsion, mental delay, squint, weakness, lateralization, and pupillary reaction to light, Developmental history, Past dental history. Anthropometric measures: weight, height.