The prevalence of developmental defects of enamel in people with cystic fibrosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Oral health impacts systemic health, individual well-being, and quality of life. It is important to identify conditions that may exacerbate oral disease to aid public health and policy development and promote targeted patient treatment strategies. Developmental defects can increase an individual's risk of dental caries, hypersensitivity, premature tooth wear, erosion, and poor aesthetics. As part of an ongoing study assessing oral health in adults with cystic fibrosis at Cork University Dental School and Hospital, a systematic review of available literature was conducted to assess the prevalence of enamel defects in people with cystic fibrosis. AIMS: To critically evaluate the literature to determine if the prevalence of developmental defects of enamel is higher in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). METHODS: Data Sources: Three online databases were searched Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Studies that examined an association between cystic fibrosis and developmental defects of enamel were included in this systematic review. RESULTS: The initial search identified 116 publications from the following databases Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus. Eleven studies were included for qualitative analysis. Nine studies concluded that PwCF had a higher prevalence of enamel defects than control people and one study found no difference in cystic fibrosis (CF) status. All studies had a risk of bias that may influence study results and their interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the systematic review show a consistent pattern that PwCF have a higher prevalence of DDE than people without CF. Genetic dysfunction, chronic systemic infections, and long-term antibiotic use are possible aetiological causes. This review highlights the need for future studies to investigate if DDEs are caused by the underlying CFTR mutation or as a consequence of disease manifestations and/or management.

Periodontal disease prevalence and oral hygiene status of adults with cystic fibrosis: A case-control study.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis, and the oral hygiene status of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Republic of Ireland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study in the form of a clinical examination of 92 adults with a diagnosis of CF was carried out in the adult CF unit in Cork University Hospital. A 40-item questionnaire was used to capture socio-demographic variables and medical and dental information. Two calibrated examiners carried out a periodontal assessment on participants, using the WHO-recommended CPI-modified index, and oral hygiene status was measured using the Greene-Vermillion index. The results were compared with a population-based control group of similar socio-demographic profile. RESULTS: Oral hygiene levels (plaque and calculus) were significantly worse in people with CF, with a median plaque index of 0.83 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.333-1.542) in the CF group compared with 0.5 (IQR 0.167-0.667) in the non-CF group. Calculus index in the CF group was 0.33 (IQR 0.17-0.83) compared with 0.33 (IQR 0.125-0.33) in the non-CF group. However, periodontal disease levels were significantly lower in the CF group. Gingivitis (bleeding on probing ≥ 10% sites) was seen in 67.4% of the CF group, compared with 83.7% of the non-CF group, OR 0.365 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.181-0.736), relative risk (RR) 0.779 (95% CI 0.655-0.928). Mild periodontitis (periodontal probing depth [PPD] < 5 mm) was seen in 15.2% of the CF group, compared with 31.5% of the non-CF group, OR 0.390 (CI 0.190-0.800), RR 0.483 (95% CI 0.273-0.852). Severe periodontitis (PPD ≥ 6 mm) was seen in 0% of the CF group, compared with 9.8% of the non-CF group. There was a tendency, albeit non-significant, towards reduced periodontitis in PWCF who regularly took antibiotics, particularly azithromycin. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, adults with CF had poor oral hygiene practices, with high levels of plaque and calculus. Despite this finding, adults with CF had lower levels of clinical gingivitis and periodontitis than seen in a non-CF control group. Further study is required to examine the causes of this phenomenon.

Current practices and attitudes of dental practitioners regarding the provision of dental treatment for patients with solid organ transplants.

BACKGROUND: Solid organ transplant provides a lifeline for people with end stage organ failure. Each year the number of individuals in receipt of a solid organ transplant is increasing. Prevention of post-transplant sepsis and infection are critical for transplant success. The oral cavity contains more than 700 different species of bacteria and is a potential reservoir for disease causing pathogens. Prior to undergoing solid organ transplant, individuals must receive a certification of dental health from a dental practitioner. There are currently no guidelines or protocols for dental practitioners to follow when certifying a patient as dentally fit. This allows for a wide variation of the term 'dentally fit'. This survey was conducted as part of a larger study assessing the oral health of adults with cystic fibrosis ongoing in Cork University Dental School and Hospital. The aim of the study was to ascertain current practices and attitudes of dental practitioners regarding the provision of dental treatment pre and post solid organ transplantation. METHODS: An anonymous cross sectional survey of dental practitioners in Ireland was conducted. RESULTS: The data collected showed a wide variation in the provision of treatment for patient undergoing or in receipt of a solid organ transplant. CONCLUSION: It demonstrates a need for further research to be conducted to ascertain the full impact solid organ transplant has on oral health, so that guidelines can be developed to aid both dental and medical professionals in the treatment of this vulnerable cohort.

Oral care considerations for people with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the attitudes of adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) towards dental attendance and any perceived barriers to treatment. METHODS: A cross sectional survey in the form of a structured, anonymous questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding adults with CF's feelings towards dentists and dental treatment. The final version of the questionnaire was based on a collaborative effort between researchers at Cork University Dental School and Hospital and Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patient advocates from CF Ireland. Participants were recruited via CF Ireland's mailing list and social media channels. The responses underwent descriptive statistical analysis and inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 71 people (33 Male: 38 Female) over the age of 18 living with CF in the Republic of Ireland responded to the survey. 54.9% of respondents were unhappy with their teeth. 63.4% felt that CF had an impact on oral health. 33.8% were anxious about attending their dentist. Respondents believed that CF has impacted on their oral health due to the medications and dietary requirements involved, as well as tiredness and other side effects of CF. Reasons for being anxious about attending the dentist included cross infection concerns, issues with the dentist, with tolerating treatment, and with the teeth themselves. Respondents wanted dentists to be aware of the practicalities of dental treatment for people with CF, especially their discomfort with lying back. They also want the dentist to be aware of the impact that their medication, treatment and diet has on their oral health. CONCLUSIONS: Over one third of adults with CF reported anxiety about attending the dentist. Reasons for this included fear, embarrassment, cross infection concerns and problems with treatment, especially being in the supine position. Adults with CF want dentists to be aware of the impact that CF can have upon dental treatment and oral health care.

Self-reported dental attendance, oral hygiene habits, and dietary habits of adults with cystic fibrosis.

AIMS: To evaluate the dental attendance, oral hygiene habits, and dietary habits of adults with Cystic Fibrosis in the Republic of Ireland. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a structured anonymous questionnaire. A total of 71 adults with Cystic Fibrosis responded. While the majority of respondents (66.2%) saw a dentist in the preceding year, 15.5% had not attended a dentist for over 2 years. Smoking and alcohol consumption levels were low. 63.4% brushed twice or more daily, with 70.4% using a Fluoride containing toothpaste. 62% did not use any interdental cleaning aid. 5.6% changed their toothbrush at least once a month, but for 22.5% it was over 6 months. 70.4% used fluoride toothpaste. 38% snacked three or more times daily and 29.5% consumed fizzy drinks at least once daily. CONCLUSIONS: The alcohol and tobacco consumption in this study group was low. However, a large proportion frequently consumed sugar-rich foods, and they did not change their toothbrush, brush their teeth, or attend the dentist as regularly as is advised. More targeted advice may be necessary to improve the oral hygiene habits of adults with Cystic Fibrosis.

Periodontal and oral health status of people with Cystic Fibrosis: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: People with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) may be presumed to be at lower risk of periodontal disease due to long term antibiotic use but this has not been comprehensively investigated. The oral hygiene and periodontal status of PWCF in comparison to the general population is not well established. The objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the literature on periodontal and oral hygiene status in PWCF to see if this group are at increased risk of periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). DATA SOURCES: 5 databases were searched: Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. STUDY SELECTION: The search resulted in 614 publications from databases with one more publication identified by searching bibliographies. 13 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of studies showed better oral hygiene, with lower levels of gingivitis and plaque among people with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) than controls. Interestingly, despite this, many studies showed that PWCF had higher levels of dental calculus. Three studies found there was no difference in Oral Hygiene between PWCF and controls. One study found that PWCF aged between 6 and 9.5 years had increased levels of clinical gingivitis, and one study showed that PWCF with gingivitis had more bleeding on probing than people without CF. The vast majority of PWCF examined were children- only five studies included people over 18 years, and only one looked exclusively at adults. There is a need for further study into the periodontal health of PWCF- particularly those over the age of 18. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There are currently no guidelines referring to oral care in PWCF. Studies have suggested that the oral cavity acts as a reservoir of bacteria which may colonise the lungs. If PWCF are at increased risk of periodontal disease, they should attend for regular screenings to facilitate early detection.

Older Australians are eating more protein: Secondary analysis of the 1995 & 2011/12 national nutrition surveys.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Diet is important in healthy ageing. Protein is essential for physical function, immunity, maintaining quality of life and ability to live independently. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Protein intakes, sources and the protein content of meals and snacks among adults aged ≥65 years from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey (n = 1960) and the 2011/12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 2103) were examined. Usual protein intakes were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method, and intakes and adequacy were compared between the two surveys. RESULTS: Participants reported a higher total protein intake in 2011/12 than 1995 (81.0 vs. 73.4 g, p < 0.001). Mean protein intake per kg body weight (1995, 1.0 g/kg vs. 2011/12, 1.1 g/kg) and ability to meet the Australian (1995, 85% vs. 2011/12, 88%) and World Health Organisation (1995, 90% vs. 2011/12, 94%) protein requirements increased over time. Males >70 years or those with poor self-assessed health status were more likely to report inadequate protein intake compared with other respondents. Higher protein intake was associated with greater consumption of vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and alternatives and lower consumption of discretionary foods and alcohol. Participants obtained 17% of their protein intake from breakfast, 30% from lunch, 43% from dinner and 10% from snacks. Main protein sources included lean red meat, poultry and full cream milk. CONCLUSION: Specific dietary advice for older Australians, particularly older men and those with poor health, to promote healthy food choices with adequate protein content is needed for disease prevention and maintenance of quality of life.

Maintain Your Brain: Protocol of a 3-Year Randomized Controlled Trial of a Personalized Multi-Modal Digital Health Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline Among Community Dwelling 55 to 77 Year Olds.

BACKGROUND: Maintain Your Brain (MYB) is a randomized controlled trial of an online multi-modal lifestyle intervention targeting modifiable dementia risk factors with its primary aim being to reduce cognitive decline in an older age cohort. METHODS: MYB aims to recruit 8,500 non-demented community dwelling 55 to 77 year olds from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study in New South Wales, Australia. Participants will be screened for risk factors related to four modules that comprise the MYB intervention: physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and cognitive training. Targeting risk factors will enable interventions to be personalized so that participants receive the most appropriate modules. MYB will run for three years and up to four modules will be delivered sequentially each quarter during year one. Upon completing a module, participants will continue to receive less frequent booster activities for their eligible modules (except for the mental health module) until the end of the trial. DISCUSSION: MYB will be the largest internet-based trial to attempt to prevent cognitive decline and potentially dementia. If successful, MYB will provide a model for not just effective intervention among older adults, but an intervention that is scalable for broad use.

Prevalence of and intention to change dietary and physical activity health risk behaviours.

Poor nutrition and insufficient physical activity contribute to high rates of obesity. Prevalence, intention to change and co-occurrence of four health risk behaviours (inadequate fruit and vegetables, excessive dietary fat, excessive sugary beverages and inadequate physical activity in comparison to public health recommendations) were investigated in an Australian population of working adults. Participants (n=105) completed sociodemographic and stage of change questionnaires. A subsample (n=40) were assessed twice to estimate test-retest repeatability. In the full sample, 73% were female, mean age was 33.8 years and mean BMI was 23.8 kg/m(2). Eighty-seven percent of participants consumed inadequate fruit and vegetables, 43% had excessive dietary fat, 42% had excessive sugary beverages and 29% had inadequate physical activity. The proportions intending to change each behaviour were 57%, 25%, 18% and 24%, respectively. Two-thirds exhibited multiple risk behaviours and 38% intended to change multiple risk behaviours. Fruit and vegetables and dietary fat were the most commonly paired risk behaviours (39%) and the pair most intended to change (19%). Occurrence of multiple risk behaviours was associated with being male (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.06-9.03) or overweight/obese (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.02-6.93). Targeting two risk behaviours, particularly fruit and vegetables and dietary fat, may be appropriate when designing health promotion programs in working populations.

Vitamin B12 in health and disease.

Vitamin B(12) is essential for DNA synthesis and for cellular energy production.This review aims to outline the metabolism of vitamin B(12), and to evaluate the causes and consequences of sub-clinical vitamin B(12) deficiency. Vitamin B(12) deficiency is common, mainly due to limited dietary intake of animal foods or malabsorption of the vitamin. Vegetarians are at risk of vitamin B(12) deficiency as are other groups with low intakes of animal foods or those with restrictive dietary patterns. Malabsorption of vitamin B(12) is most commonly seen in the elderly, secondary to gastric achlorhydria. The symptoms of sub-clinical deficiency are subtle and often not recognized. The long-term consequences of sub-clinical deficiency are not fully known but may include adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, vascular, cognitive, bone and eye health.