Optimization of Dental Status Assessment and Management of Oral Pathological Changes in Children with Tuberculosis
pediatric tuberculosis; dental status; oral pathological changes; pediatric dentistry; oral health assessment; digital oral diagnostics; preventive dental care; multidisciplinary management.
AuthorsAbstractTuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious diseases affecting children worldwide, with significant consequences for systemic health and quality of life. Despite substantial progress in tuberculosis control, the oral health status of pediatric patients with TB has received comparatively limited scientific attention, particularly regarding comprehensive assessment and evidence-based management of oral pathological changes. This study aimed to optimize the assessment of dental status and improve the management of oral pathological conditions in children diagnosed with tuberculosis through an integrated clinical approach. A comparative clinical study was conducted involving pediatric patients with confirmed tuberculosis and age-matched healthy controls. Comprehensive oral examinations were performed using standardized dental indices, periodontal assessment, oral mucosal evaluation, salivary analysis, and digital intraoral documentation. Clinical findings were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to identify patterns of oral pathology, associated risk factors, and potential predictors of disease progression. The results demonstrated that children with tuberculosis exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of dental caries, gingival inflammation, periodontal abnormalities, oral mucosal lesions, reduced salivary protective capacity, and compromised oral hygiene compared with healthy children. Several clinical and biological indicators were identified as important predictors of oral pathological changes, emphasizing the close interaction between systemic tuberculosis and oral health deterioration. Based on these findings, an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic framework was developed to facilitate early identification of high-risk patients, optimize individualized treatment planning, and improve preventive dental care. The originality of this study lies in proposing a multidisciplinary model that combines pediatric dentistry, tuberculosis management, digital oral diagnostics, salivary assessment, and personalized preventive strategies within a unified clinical approach. The findings provide a practical foundation for improving interdisciplinary collaboration between pediatricians, tuberculosis specialists, and dental professionals, contributing to earlier diagnosis, more effective management of oral complications, enhanced quality of life, and improved long-term health outcomes for children affected by tuberculosis.
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