The Dental Effects of Meningococcal Septicaemia: A Case Series

The topic of meningitis has received considerable media interest. Despite great strides in medical development, meningitis remains one of the leading causes of death by infection in children. Dental abnormalities secondary to meningococcal septicaemia have been described but information is scarce. This report aims to add weight to existing literature by describing a series of three cases which presented with a number of dental anomalies including hypodontia, abnormal tooth–shaped calcifications, impacted and ectopic teeth, hypoplasia, delayed development and eruption. Dental management of these cases encompassed a multidisciplinary approach, including prevention, restoration of carious teeth, improvement of aesthetics and orthodontic treatment. The dental features in these cases were comparable to those previously described and support links demonstrated between meningococcal septicaemia and dental abnormalities. Although immunisation offers hope, complete eradication of meningitis is not yet on the horizon. While the potential of meningitis remains, health professionals should be aware of its impact on the dentition.