Assessment of salivary zinc level and its impact on periodontal health among children and adolescence with sickle cell anemia

Abstract

Objectives

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common inherited disorder around the world. Several studies revealed a low level of serum zinc among sickle patients. However, none of them investigated the impact of SCA on salivary zinc levels. This is the first conducted to measure zinc level in saliva and its influence on the periodontal health of children and adolescents with SCA.

Results

The mean ages in the sickle cell anemic group were 10.37 ± 4.13 years old, while the mean ages of subjects in the control group were 9.37 ± 3.6 years (P.Value: 0.169). Salivary zinc level was significantly lower among SCA patients (P.Value < 0.001) than control group. None of the participants were diagnosed with periodontitis. The salivary zinc level was significantly higher in SCA with standard pocket depth and no clinical attachment loss than patients diagnosed with gingivitis (P. value:0.025). Sickle patients have a low level of zinc in saliva, which may contribute to some manifestations of sickle cell disease and may make them more susceptible to periodontal disease in the future. We recommend conducting more research on oral and periodontal health among children affected with SCA to improve their quality of life.