Occurrence of caries and periodontal disease in selenium-treated patients with Spielmeyer-Sjögren's disease.

The possible influence of continuous exposure to selenium on dental caries and gingivitis was examined during a clinical trial of selenium administration to patients suffering from a progressive encephalopathy, Spielmeyer-Sjögren's disease. The study group consisted of eight children (mean age 12.5 years) and a control group of the same age and size from the same institution. DMFS- and Gingival Bleeding Indices were recorded at the onset of the selenium medication and thereafter once a year. No difference in the caries incidence or in the prevalence of gingivitis between the two groups could be shown during the follow-up period.