The importance of regular dental treatment in patients with cyclic neutropenia. Follow-up of 2 cases

Abstract

Data on two patients with cyclic neutropenia are presented. They demonstrate that regular tooth care and professional dental treatment can prevent progressive periodontal breakdown but that neglecting oral hygiene soon leads to periodontal pathology. Regular, monthly professional removal of dental plaque and calculus, and rinsing with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate during neutropenia help maintain periodontal attachment level. The caries susceptibility and the apical periodontitis in the intact anterior tooth of the female patient indicate the possibility of cyclic neutropenia playing a role in caries and pulpal pathology.