Because of the higher risk of dental cavities and decay, it is advised that people living with cystic fibrosis ensure they follow the recommended guidelines for good oral hygiene and dental health.

Oral Health Guidelines:

• Brush twice a day, at bedtime and one other time for 2-3 mins.

• Use a soft/medium toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste

• Brushing your tongue helps reduce bad breath.

• Spit, don't rinse after brushing to keep the fluoride in your mouth.

• Floss daily. Ask your dental team for advice on technique.

• Change your toothbrush when bristles are worn (or at least every 3 months).

• Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check up

• Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake

Visiting the Dentist

It is recommended that people with CF should visit their dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning. Unfortunately, this can be a costly experience for some.

In Ireland, people who have a Medical Card can access a range of dental services and treatments under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.

For people with cystic fibrosis who hold a medical card, you are entitled to an annual examination, two fillings and extractions and cleaning. However, your dentist must accept medical card patients.

The best way to find a dentist who accepts medical card patients is to visit the Irish Dental Association website and 'Find a Dentist' within your county who accepts medical card patients, and contact them directly to enquire about new patient appointments. 

Discussions to have with your Dentist

There are several requests you can make to your dentist to ensure your experience in the chair is a safe and comfortable one.

• Ensure your dentist is aware that you have CF
• Provide your dentist with an up-to-date list of your current medications
• You can request the first appointment of the day, to avoid waiting in a busy waiting area and to limit your exposure to aerosols and infection
• Explain when booking that you cannot be booked on the same day as another patient with CF to avoid opportunities for cross-infection
• To be confident with infection control procedures, ask the clinical team to wipe down high-contact areas prior to you entering the room (dentist chair surface, armrests, trays, door handles)
• If you have concerns about lying flat during treatment in regards to your airway clearance, you can make a request for the dentist to provide treatment in an upright or semi-upright position in the dental chair too
• If you are worried about coughing during treatment, agree a signal with your dentist prior to beginning your appointment. For example, explain you will lift your arm if you feel the need to cough so the dentist will know to pause activity and allow you a chance to cough.

Transplant and oral health

If you are living with advanced disease and awaiting transplant, good oral health care is very important. Ensure you brush twice daily, and see your dentist regularly. Maintaining a healthy mouth will reduce the chance of extractions prior to transplant.

If you are post-transplant, you need to take good care of your mouth and gums. Brush your teeth twice daily, check for bleeding gums or ulcers, and visit your dentist for professional cleaning at least twice per year. Using an electric toothbrush and chlorexidine mouthwash is recommended.

Do not undergo any dental cleaning or treatment in the first three months of having your transplant.

Any mouth or tooth infection can be serious for people living with an organ transplant. It is essential your dentist knows you have had an organ transplant and understands what immunosuppressant drugs you may be taking. The dentist may decide to give you an antibiotic to prevent infection while you have dental treatments, and your Transplant team can advise on suitable antibiotics if required.

Researchers in Ireland recently examined the oral hygiene habits of adults living with CF. Dr Martina Hayes, Senior Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry, and Dr Niamh Coffey, a Clinical Fellow at Cork University Dental School and Hospital, lead a group of clinicians and researchers in a survey of adult PWCF in Ireland on dental care and hygiene practices, with the support of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. The results of this research were published in the Special Care in Dentistry Journal.

In this study, 71 PWCF were surveyed. As expected, the alcohol and tobacco consumption in the 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. The researchers recommend that people with CF follow the advice mentioned at the top of this page to ensure PWCF maintain good oral health.