One of the first lines of defense against bacterial infections are the neutrophil cells. As a result, children affected by neutropenia have periodontal infections, with early loss of teeth. Sickle cell disease is chronic illness, punctuated by multiple crises, which can become life-threatening at any time. A sickling crisis in children can be caused by lack of oxygen in any part of the body, dehydration, infection - which can lead to acidosis, fatigue, or stress. Death in children who have sickle cell disease can be caused by infection, acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, or other causes.
Chemotherapy causes ulceration of the mouth and facilitates opportunistic infections.
In acute leukemia, malignant white blood cells invade the gingival tissue, causing extensive bleeding and loosening of teeth. Dental erosion is the demineralization of enamel and dentin caused by chemicals, such as gastric acid. Children with poorly controlled diabetes are at increased risk for periodontal disease due to a number of factors. In this genetic disease, the low levels of serum alkaline phosphatase impairs the health and function of the suspensory ligaments, which hold the teeth in place. The absence of an important enzyme, cathepsin C, is responsible for the premature loss of all teeth in children afflicted with the rare Papillon-Lef vre disease.