Sickle Cell Disease is a serious health condition. While attending regular dental appointments is very important for everyone, for anyone with an underlying health condition, it is even more crucial. Now, new research has examined how youths with Sickle cell disease are interacting with dental services. While there are some positive findings, there are also areas of concern.
Attending regular dental appointments and having access to oral healthcare is important for everyone. For those with health conditions, it is even more important.
In concerning news, new research has found that less than half of youths with Sickle Cell Disease are accessing dental services [1].
Due to the severity of this condition, these findings are worrying. Therefore, there is concern over both the physical and oral health of those with this disease.
Background
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. The condition involves the body producing unusually shaped red blood cells [2].
This causes problems as these cells do not live as long as healthy blood cells and as a result, can block blood vessels [2]. Therefore, it can become life-threatening.
Statistics show that in the United States, around 2,000 newborns are diagnosed with the condition each year [3].
There is a clear connection between oral health and sickle cell disease. Tooth decay can lead to an infection, which could trigger a sickle cell crisis – which can last days or even weeks [3].
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from the University of Michigan. Their findings have been published in the JAMA Network Open journal [1].
The researchers examined receipts of dental services in 2022 for youths with sickle cell disease and compared them to those without the condition [1].
The data involved 1,096 people aged 1 to 20 with the condition. Moreover, they were compared to 1,181,391 youths aged 1 to 20 without the condition. All of the participants in the study were enrolled in Michigan’s Medicaid [1].
Then, the researchers compared the two groups. The findings demonstrated a stark difference in one age group, but similarities between others [1].
The researchers found that the two groups had similar rates of receiving dental services, with 42% of those with sickle cell disease receiving dental services, and 44% of those without the condition receiving dental services [1].
Furthermore, the two groups had similar rates of receiving specifically preventive dental services. Those with sickle cell disease (38%) received marginally less preventive dental services than those without the condition (40%) [1].
Again, dental treatment rates were similar across the two groups. 15% of those with the condition received dental treatment, compared to 18% of those without the condition [1].
However, there were disparities when looking at the 6-14 age group, with differences of up to 5 percentage points seen in this age group in terms of accessing dental services and preventive care [1].
Therefore, this suggests that this specific age group faces challenges in receiving and accessing oral healthcare. Given the importance of oral health for those with this condition, this particular finding is concerning.
While this study only involved those with Medicaid, it still represents a sizeable number of people for the researchers to study.
Summary
Overall, the findings were generally positive – with only minor disparities seen overall across the two groups. But there were concerns over those in the 6-14 age group.
This raises the possibility that those in this age group could worsen their overall health, as a lack of oral healthcare during these formative years could have a very damaging impact.
As mentioned earlier, poor oral health that results in an infection can trigger a sickle cell crisis. Therefore, it is concerning that this age group are receiving less care.
Additionally, the fact that, given the risks, only 42% of those with sickle cell disease access dental services is also cause for concern.
Senior author Sarah L. Reeves commented on the findings [4]. Reeves said that “our findings show that we need to take steps to make sure kids with this condition get the dental care they need” [4].
Continuing, Reeves proposed that to do this, it would require dentists feeling “more prepared to treat them” and by “making sure doctors know how important dental health is for these children” [4].
Hopefully, seeing this rather low score may lead policymakers and health professionals to make a concerted effort to improve access to oral healthcare for this vulnerable group.
Thinking points…
[1] As mentioned at the start of the article, it is very important for us all to attend the dentist regularly! This is even more essential for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Oral health is closely related to overall health, so make sure you attend check-ups regularly! At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a thorough look at your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!
[2] Do you know anyone with sickle cell disease? If so, this article could be very helpful for them! It should act as a reminder of the importance of attending a dental clinic and looking after their oral health. Those in your social network may also have people in their family with the condition, so sharing this article on your social media profiles could be helpful. Why not share this article now?
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Kranz, A., Peng, H. K., King, A. A., et al. (2025). Sickle Cell Disease and Dental Care Access Among Medicaid-Enrolled Youths. JAMA Network Open. 8 (9): e2529849. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.29849.
[2] NHS. (2022). Sickle cell disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/. Last accessed: 10th September 2025.
[3] Alrayyes, S., Compton, A-A., & Kawar, N. (2018). Oral health considerations for pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. Disease-a-Month. 64 (6): p302-305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.disamonth.2017.12.006.
[4] Gotkine, E. (2025). Less than half of youths with sickle cell received dental services in 2022. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-youths-sickle-cell-dental.html. Last accessed: 10th September 2025.
