Oral Health Considerations and Dental Management for Epileptic Children in Pediatric Dental Care

• Published in: International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry 2023, Vol.16 (1), p.170-176
• Main Authors: Goswami, Mridula, Johar, Smriti, Khokhar, Anusha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 0974-7052; 0975-1904
• DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2516

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy generally begins in childhood, potentially impeding education, employment, social relationships, and the development of a sense of self-worth. The number of decayed and missing teeth, the degree of abrasion, and periodontal indices are significantly worse in patients with epilepsy. Epileptic patients require special care during dental treatment. A seizure episode in a dental clinic is a medical emergency, and it is imperative as an oral health care provider to have adequate knowledge about this condition in order to render safer dental care to epileptic patients. There is a paucity of information in the medical literature on the dental management of epileptic patients. The purpose of this case series is to elaborate on the oral health considerations in epileptic patients and educate oral healthcare providers on the diagnosis, treatment, and emergency management of epilepsy, along with special dental treatment needs in epileptic patients. The case series is a compilation of two cases of petit mal epilepsy and one case of generalized tonic-clonic seizure with detailed descriptions of preventive seizure measures and dental management undertaken during the treatment of patients.