Luki in the field of dental care affect children with sickle diseases in Michigan

According to the new study, children with sickle disease are more likely to have dental problems – but less than half of the children covered by Michigan Medicaid received dental care in 2022.

Discoveries, led by Michigan Medicine and Non-Profit Rand Corporation, appear in.

It is known that sickle disease increases the risk of tooth complications in children, which emphasizes the importance of preventive dental care for this population.

Our findings show that we must take steps so that children with this state get dental care they need, helping dentists feel more prepared to treat them and make sure that doctors know how important dental health is for these children. “

Sarah Reeves, Ph.D., MPH, Elderly author, Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology Care at UM Medical School and Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research (Chear) Center

The sickle disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects about 2,000 newborns a year in the US, affects red blood cells, causing them to become distorted and block blood flow, which can lead to pain, impacts and other serious health problems.

Reeves claims that teeth’s health is especially important for children with this condition due to its mutual relationship with the disease. Cause infections inflammation And stress in the body, which can lead to August red blood cells.

“Oral infections are particularly dangerous for people with sickle diseases because they can cause or deteriorate symptoms and serious complications,” Reeves said.

“Driving dental care helps reduce the risk of pain and hospitalization crises.”

Scientists analyzed the use of dental care for 1096 children with sickle disease, as well as Michigan Medicaid and 1.18 million children from Michigan Medicaid.

Over 40% of children in both groups were aged 6-14. Children with sickle disease in Michigan have comparable indicators of the use of dental services with the general pediatric population Medicaid. In general, less than half of children with or without a sickle disease, and Medicaid received any type of dental care, including preventive services and treatment.

Reeves said that several factors limit access to dental care for children with sickle diseases, including dentists’ deficiency who accept Medicaid and the lack of clear guidelines for the treatment of these patients.

He says that the study emphasizes the need for targeted solutions, such as better supplier training and stronger communication between medical and dentist specialists to provide children with the needed care.

“Considering the increased risk of oral health problems among patients with sickle disease, we need concentrated efforts to increase access to dental services,” she said.

“There are many reasons why in this group care indicators are low. Future research should check what these barriers are and how we can overcome them to improve the care of this sensitive population.”