Higher caries experience in individuals with neurofibromatosis 1: a matched case-control study
Eloá Borges Luna1,2, Pâmella de Pinho Montovani1,2, Flávia Lima1,2
1Graduate Program in Pathology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) experience significantly higher dental caries (DMFT) than controls. This is linked to salivary changes, poor oral hygiene, and socioeconomic factors, indicating a high-risk group needing specialized dental care.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health Research
- Genetics and Disease
- Public Health
Background:
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder with potential oral health implications.
- Dental caries (DMFT) is a common oral disease influenced by various factors.
- Understanding caries experience in NF1 populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare dental caries experience in individuals with NF1 versus matched controls.
- To investigate associations between caries, salivary parameters, behavior, and socioeconomic status in NF1.
- To identify risk factors contributing to higher caries prevalence in NF1.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study included 42 individuals with NF1 and 42 matched controls.
- Caries experience assessed using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index.
- Evaluated oral hygiene, tongue coating, diet, socioeconomic status, and salivary parameters (flow, pH, viscosity, minerals, enzymes).
Main Results:
- NF1 group had significantly higher DMFT (18.5 vs. 12.6; p=0.001).
- Hyposalivation (UWSFR, CSWSFR) and high salivary viscosity were more prevalent in NF1 (p<0.001).
- Higher DMFT correlated with tongue coating (p=0.044), lower income (p<0.001), and poorer oral hygiene (p=0.016).
Conclusions:
- Individuals with NF1 exhibit significantly higher caries experience, independent of salivary flow, hygiene, socioeconomic status, and diet.
- High prevalence of hyposalivation and altered salivary viscosity contribute to a compromised oral environment in NF1.
- NF1 patients are a high-risk group for dental caries, requiring specialized preventive strategies and monitoring.
