Alveolar bone loss in two children with short-bowel syndrome receiving total parenteral nutrition.

Two preschool children who were receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for short-bowel syndrome (SBS) were noted to have radiographic evidence of alveolar bone loss in their primary dentition. Tooth mobility, gingival recession, and premature tooth loss were clinical findings in these children. Both had a 2-year history of recurrent infections and fluctuating serum electrolytes prior to identification of their dental problems.