Oral findings in 50 children with neurofibromatosis type 1. A case control study

The scientific literature is poor of data concerning NF1-related oral manifestations in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the oral findings in a group of children with NF1.

This study was designed as a clinical research. A total of 50 children affected by NF1 were enrolled. Non-NF1 controls were selected among subjects referred to the Paediatric Dentistry Department of the Dental Clinic at the University of Brescia, Italy. The craniofacial and all the dental examinations were carried out. The following parameters were investigated: dental caries, dental abnormalities, periodontal status, oral and perioral neurofibromas, orthodontic features, mandible and temporomandibular joint abnormalities. Statistics Unpaired Student's t test was calculated for Gaussian distributed variables; Fisher's test for non-Gaussian distributed binomial variables was used. The values inferior to p <0.05 (threshold) were considered significant for the study.

Children with NF1 showed poorer oral hygiene conditions, more frequent Class III dental malocclusions and severe alterations of the mandible and the temporal mandibular joint, if compared with the control group.

NF1 related-oral manifestations are evidenced also during childhood, even if some of the best known, like the neurofibromas, are not yet developed. It is important to keep a long-term follow-up to monitor the possible development of other oral lesions.