Coffey N, O'Leary F, Burke F et al. Periodontal disease prevalence and oral hygiene status of adults with cystic fibrosis: A case-control study. J Clin Periodontol 2024; DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13944.

Adults with cystic fibrosis had poor oral hygiene practices but lower levels of clinical gingivitis and periodontitis.

This studyinvestigated the prevalence of periodontal disease and the oral hygiene status of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). A case-control study of 92 adults with a diagnosis of CF was carried out in Cork University Hospital. A 40-item questionnaire was issued, and two calibrated examiners conducted a periodontal assessment. The results were compared with a population-based control group of similar socio-demographic profile. Oral hygiene levels were significantly worse in people with CF, with a median plaque index of 0.83 in the CF group compared with 0.5 in the non-CF group. Periodontal disease levels were significantly lower in the CF group. Gingivitis was seen in 67% of the CF group, compared with 84% of the non-CF group. Mild periodontitis (periodontal probing depth [PPD] <5 mm) was seen in 15% of the CF group, compared with 32% of the non-CF group. Severe periodontitis (PPD ≥6 mm) was seen in 0% of the CF group, compared with 10% of the non-CF group. There was a tendency, albeit non-significant, towards reduced periodontitis in PWCF who regularly took antibiotics, particularly azithromycin.