Oral Hygiene In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
Abstract
This paper will be covering in-depth the widespread presence, risk factors, and dental hygiene considerations of patients with Cystic fibrosis. The authors of the article Elisa Sarvas, Donald Chi, and Amy Kim help discuss what clinical signs might be seen, how genetic factors can play a role, and how dental risks can be increased in patients facing Cystic fibrosis. This paper will help expand the knowledge about Cystic fibrosis and help dental hygienists become better clinicians and advocates for those patients. Understanding what Cystic fibrosis is can influence how dental hygienists can help their patients with a treatment plan and accommodations in the clinical setting that best fits the patient.
Cystic fibrosis is a disease related to an autosome gene mutation that many dental providers have little knowledge of. The purpose of this paper is to expand the knowledge, risk factors, and accommodations that need to be made for patients facing Cystic fibrosis. Dental considerations are also shared by the authors, Elisa Sarvas, Donald Chi, and Amy Kim, in the article titled “Supporting Oral Health in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis” in the journal issued in May 2016 known as Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. This paper aims to have a clear understanding of what Cystic fibrosis is, risk factors dental hygienists might face, and the considerations that should be taken into place to help the patients feel more comfortable at their dental visits.
The number of cases of people with Cystic fibrosis has been increasing since the disease was first diagnosed. Cystic fibrosis is a disease that can be found in either males or females. It is also most frequently found in Caucasians. Thick mucus is known to be created due to a blockage in the pathway for chloride and sodium ions caused by the gene mutation affected. The lungs are the organ most often damaged by Cystic fibrosis. The secretion of more mucus can be caused due to the bacteria harvested in the lungs. The overproduction of the mucus can lead to lung collapse and even death. Some treatments help slow the progression of the disease even though Cystic fibrosis does not have a cure.
Enamel defects, gastrointestinal conditions, and caries are some of the risk factors patients with Cystic fibrosis present with. The release of autosome gene mutation in cells that are involved in the making of enamel has been shown to cause the defect in the enamel. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is seen in patients with Cystic fibrosis. The acid from the stomach is exposed in the oral cavity, and that is where erosion might take place if this happens often. The acid exposure in the oral cavity can breakdown the enamel and increase the risk of demineralized areas becoming decayed. The gene mutation affects salivary glands and the buffer mechanism that helps balance the pH in the mouth is also affected by the gene mutation, which leads to a higher risk for caries.
Dental hygienists need to help the patient with better well rounded at-home care. Nutrition, oral hygiene instructions, and caries prevention should be advised to patients with Cystic fibrosis. Good nutrition can help speed up the process of wound healing. It is recommended that Cystic fibrosis patients have a diet high in fats and protein to help minimize the advancement of their symptoms. Accommodations to their at-home oral hygiene care should involve fluoride treatments. Many patients with Cystic fibrosis might be taking medications, such as Albuterol, that can decrease the saliva secretion. Fluoride rinses should be prescribed to help prevent caries in these patients. Due to sudden hospitalization, dental providers should be aware that there might be last-minute cancelation with patients with Cystic fibrosis.
Dental hygienists need to make personalized treatment plans for each patient according to their needs. Having knowledge of the challenge for patients with Cystic fibrosis with sedation in the dental clinic is something to keep in mind when preparing in advance for appointments. Taking into consideration calculus, and caries prevalence can help with making appointment intervals. Appointment length should depend on how much the patients’ respiratory system is compromised. Also, knowing the medications that the patient with Cystic fibrosis is taking can help in the planning of treatment.
In conclusion, dental providers can become better advocates and treatment planners for patients with Cystic fibrosis. Incorporating dental hygiene care around a patient with Cystic fibrosis’ challenges can help the patient feel valued and increase their trust towards the provider. Creating a treatment plan involving the patients’ opinions, and needs will make the patient feel like part of the process of care.
