Impact of Lead Poisoning on Oral Health

 

Lead poisoning can lead to:

(1) periodontitis and gingivitis

(2) caries, especially in children

(3) missing teeth

(4) lead line (linear discoloration) of the gingival

(5) fissures and ulcers of the tongue and oral mucosa

 

The impact on oral health can be made worse by:

(1) concurrent smoking

(2) poor oral hygiene

(3) poor dental care

(4) age of exposure

(5) duration and severity of the lead poisoning

(6) other toxins in the environment

 

If a person is known to have lead poisoning, then the oral cavity needs to be carefully evaluated.

 

If a person has any of the problems listed above then the possibility of lead poisoning should be considered.