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 paucity of evidence for the holistic management of adults with CF, as previously life expectancy did not extend far beyond adolescence. Oral diseases are recognised as being a major global health burden and dental caries and periodontal disease are among the most common chronic infectious diseases. People with CF have a number of factors which should increase their risk of dental caries, however, studies on children with CF have shown that they have lower levels of dental disease than their counterparts. A theory has emerged that, due to changes in antibiotic therapy in adolescence, this “immunity” to dental disease may decline.
This work will explore the effects of CF and its management on the oral environment including;
The oral microbiome in adults with CF
The characteristics of saliva in adults with CF
The effects of CFTR-modulating drugs on the teeth and the gums
The incidence of oral Candidal infections in CF patients treated with inhaled antibiotics (e.g. Tobramycin)
The levels of dental disease (dental caries and periodontal disease) in the adult CF population compared to the adult non-CF population