Dental and periodontal manifestations in patients with cystic fibrosis - A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundThe oral cavity is an important reservoir of microorganisms and can be a potential source of infection of the respiratory tract in CF patients. The literature on the oral health does not explicitly determine dental problems in these patients. The aim of the study was to systematically review the studies relating to oral status in CF patients. MethodsA systematic review of papers published from 1997 to 2018 regarding oral status in CF children and adults, carried out in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. ResultsThe search resulted in 143 studies. Thirteen publications were included in the systematic review. Conclusions1.Equal or a higher prevalence and more severe enamel defects in permanent dentition in CF patients, compared to healthy people, require a targeted dental care.2.The presented data show an equal or lesser caries risk in CF patients compared to the control group, but future research should focus on caries prevalence evaluation and assessing the relationship between caries experience and the enamel defects prevalence in CF adults.3.The available data cannot provide an objective assessment of the possible relationship of periodontal conditions with cystic fibrosis. The literature dealing with these issues is based solely on clinical trials but does not take into account, specialized tests, such as microbial analyses of dental plaque and saliva.4.There is a need to develop standards of dental care not only for children but also for adults, mainly to reduce the risk of autoinfection in CF patients.