Caries in a cohort of adults with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study

Objectives To measure past dental caries experience in people with cystic fibrosis and to compare the results with a control group of people without cystic fibrosis. Methods A cross-sectional study of 92 adults with cystic fibrosis and 92 adults without cystic fibrosis was undertaken in Cork University Dental School and Hospital. The median age for study group and control group participants was 31 years and 27 years, respectively. All participants completed a detailed questionnaire before undergoing a clinical examination that recorded demographic, social and oral health variables. Caries was recorded using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. All data were statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, chi-squared test and Fisher's test. Negative binomial models were also used to analyse data. Results The study group had a higher mean DMFT score compared to the control group (6.52, 0.99, 0.41, 3.89 versus 5.33, 0.18, 0.11, 3.68). While the study group had a higher DMFT, the only component that was statistically significant between the groups was the Decayed Teeth component (p <0.001). Conclusion In this study, the cohort of people with cystic fibrosis had more caries than people without cystic fibrosis. Further research is required to establish if underlying systemic conditions, social and behavioural factors, or a combination of the aforementioned are responsible for a higher caries experience in this study group.