Periodontal Disease and Salivary Gland Dysfunction in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case-Control Study

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presents with diverse systemic and oral manifestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the periodontal status and salivary alterations in NF1 individuals.

A total of 38 individuals with NF1 diagnostic criteria were compared with a control group paired by age and sex. The periodontal indexes, sialometry at rest and under stimulation, saliva collection for biochemistry and pH evaluation, tongue coating, and oral hygiene indexes were performed. Socioeconomical and oral dryness questionnaire were also applied.

Individuals with NF1 had poor periodontal status according to the periodontal indexes compared to the control group (community periodontal index, p = 0.013; clinical attachment loss, p = 0.001; periodontal status, p = 0.002). Hyposalivation was significantly more prevalent in NF1 individuals at rest and under stimulation (p < 0.0001). There was also a high score on the dry mouth questionnaire in the NF1 group (evidencing xerostomia; p = 0.040), as well as greater and thicker tongue coating (p = 0.022). Salivary flow rates, pH, buffering capacity, biochemical composition, and socioeconomic levels did not differ between the periodontal classifications.

Individuals with NF1 had poor periodontal status, higher rates of hyposalivation and oral dryness, and thicker and greater tongue coating than the control population.