Dental treatment for people with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

The pathophysiology and clinical manifestations are relevant to practicing dental practitioners and inform recommendations to be utilised to ensure optimal treatment planning for these patients.

Oral health of cystic fibrosis patients at a north american center: A pilot study

“…Our finding in a US CF Center is in accordance with the majority of the literature that suggests a lower caries risk among CF patients in comparison to healthy controls, both historically (13,14) and internationally (4,7,8,23,24). The low caries prevalence found in CF children is usually attributed to diligent oral hygiene, frequent dental visits, and use of antibiotics (2). The caries prevalence presented here is even lower than the previous US studies (13,14).…”

“…Due to the high calorie (sugar) diet, sugar-containing medications, and the regular high calorie supplements, CF patients may be at risk for dental caries (2). Also, as a result of the effect of CF on the exocrine glands, low salivary flow and buffering capacity of CF children can additionally increase their caries risk (3).…”

Orthodontics in patients with significant medical co-morbidities

“…Chronic sinusitis may manifest as facial pain, nasal congestion and an inability to breathe through the nose (Harrington et al, 2016);…”

“…Osteopenia and osteoporosis can occur secondary to malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency and the use of systemic glucocorticoids (Harrington et al, 2016);…”

“…Oral antibiotics have been associated with the development of black hairy tongue and while xerostomia is common in the patient with CF, there is a reduced risk of caries attributed to the altered oral microflora that can occur as a result of the long-term antibiotic treatment regimen required for patients with CF (Harrington et al, 2016). It is notable that patients with CF frequently experience delayed dental eruption.…”