Oral health in adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Approximately 1 in 19 Irish people are said to 'carry' one copy of the altered gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Half of people born with cystic fibrosis in 2017 will live to at least 47. This is a remarkable medical advance, however this means that we now have a shortage of evidence for the healthcare management of adults with CF, as previously life expectancy did not extend far beyond their teenage years. Dental decay and gum disease are among the most common chronic infectious diseases globally. To date, there have been no studies on the oral health of adults with Cystic Fibrosis and this study aims to compare the levels of dental decay and gum disease among adults with Cystic Fibrosis and a comparison group of non-CF adults.

Dentists are not currently part of the healthcare team involved in the management of those with CF, however if adults with CF are found to have high levels of dental disease there may be merit in integrating oral health-care in the patient pathway for those with CF.

Award Date

26 June 2020

Award Value

€236,183.71

Principal Investigator

Dr Martina Hayes

Host Institution

University College Cork

Scheme

CSF 2020