Dozens of children with thalassemia underwent dental checkups to support their health. The checkups were held at the Aceh Blood Foundation (YDUA) by a number of pediatric dentists from the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG), Syiah Kuala University (USK) in Banda Aceh.
Head of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, FKG USK, Dr. drg Suzanna Sungkar, Sp. KGA, said that just like other children, children with thalassemia also need to pay attention to their dental health to avoid the risk of permanent tooth damage.
“Under certain conditions or during certain periods, these children will experience a lack of hemoglobin, which will affect their teeth and mouth, for example, bleeding gums. If bleeding occurs, it will further reduce the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which is certainly not good,” said Suzanna, after holding the FKG USK Social Service activity, entitled Maintaining the Oral Health of Children with Special Needs, Sunday (June 15th, 2025).
According to Dr. Suzanna, many parents are not concerned about their children’s dental and oral health, especially children with special needs. “They only come to the dentist when the child complains of toothache, even though dental examination facilities are available at the community health center, so they should come regularly to have their children’s teeth checked,” she said.
Dental check-ups for children with thalassemia are important because they are at higher risk of dental problems such as cavities, gum inflammation, and infections. Regular dental check-ups can help detect problems early and prevent further complications.
She hopes that this activity will improve the health of children, especially those with thalassemia, so that they can remain healthy and happy.
The team of doctors who conducted the check-ups were Dr. drg. Dharli Syafriza, Sp. KGA (Vice Dean of Academic FKG USK), drg. Taufiqi Hidayatullah, Sp. KGA (Head of the Dentistry Professional Study Program at FKG USK), drg. Ayudia RIfki, Sp KGA, and drg. Vera Yulina, Sp. KGA.
On the same occasion, the founder of the Blood for Aceh Foundation, Nurjannah Husien, mentioned that 25 children with thalassemia in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar received free dental examinations from FKG USK. In addition, a number of child patients who were staying at the Rumah Kita shelter managed by YDUA also received free dental checkups.