Prevention

Strict oral hygiene is essential for individuals with bleeding disorders, even more so than the average individual since chronic inflammation of the gingiva can lead to increased bleeding.³⁴ Aca for a patient with a bleeding disorder is the same as it is for a patient without a bleeding disorder. A successful oral hygiene regimen will reduce the need for restorative treatment and should reduce the number of emergency visits.

Patients with bleeding disorders should be encouraged to: brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste, use interdental cleaning aids such as floss, tape, and interdental brushes to prevent the formation of dental caries and periodontal disease, and use fluoride supplements when indicated.³⁵ A key message for the dental provider to communicate to the patient is that healthy gums do not and should not bleed.

Regular dental exams should commence upon the eruption of the first tooth and occur no later than 12 months of age as per the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.³⁶ The dental provider will determine the frequency of the patient’s preventive visits based on individual risk assessment.