Scleroderma: considerations for dental hygienists

Clinician and patient experiences of managing and living with oral and dental manifestations of scleroderma: A scoping review

Oral and dental manifestations of scleroderma are extremely common, yet they are often overlooked within rheumatology and poorly understood within dentistry. Previous research has indicated the need to understand the oral and dental experiences of people living with scleroderma and those involved in their care. This scoping review aims, for the first time, to comprehensively map what is known regarding the identification and management of oral and dental manifestations of scleroderma, how these are experienced by people living with scleroderma, and to explore key characteristics of barriers and enablers to good oral and dental care in scleroderma. A scoping review was conducted using six databases (Embase, PubMed, PsychINFO, ASSIA, Scopus and SSCI), according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses - extension for Scoping Review. Grey literature was also included. Studies were eligible for inclusion if the full text and abstract were available in English, published between 2002 and 2022, and focused on the concept of oral and dental care in adults with scleroderma, either relating to identification and management, enablers and barriers to best practice, or patient experiences and well-being. Qualitative research which seeks to understand patients' lived experiences was a notable gap in the literature. Similarly, there was a significant lack of focus on the oral and dental manifestations of scleroderma in rheumatology. Three key features were identified which would facilitate best practice in research and clinical contexts: the necessity of multidisciplinary care; the necessity of centralising patient experience; and the necessity of mitigating barriers to dental care. We conclude that increased awareness of scleroderma within dentistry and streamlining referral procedures between the disciplines of dentistry and rheumatology, to enable the early identification and management of scleroderma, are crucial.

Pathological lesions in the oral cavity in the course of connective tissue diseases

Dentistry, is one of the intensively and rapidly growing branches of medicine. This prompts dentists to take an interdisciplinary approach to their patients. Thus, the dentist, being a general practitioner, can make significant contributions to the early diagnosis of systemic disease and the faster implementation of appropriate treatment. In view of the aforementioned, we undertook research on the relationship of pathological changes observed in the oral cavity with diseases of the connective tissue system. Collagenosis is a chronic autoimmune disease initiated by many factors, among which the genetic factor and viral infections are mentioned. The changes observed in the oral cavity may be a picture of the disease, a complication of the disease or a side effect of the treatment. The aim of the study is, thus, too present the pathological changes in the oral cavity which often accompany collagenosis, and to discuss the risk factors of connective tissue system diseases and methods of dental treatment.

Review of orofacial considerations of systemic sclerosis or scleroderma with report of analysis of 3 cases

Scleroderma (skleros; hard, and derma; skin), is currently known as systemic sclerosis due to its progressive nature and widespread tissue involvement. It is a rare connective tissue disorder with a wide range of oral manifestations. Thickening of the skin is the hallmark of the disease. The patient education for self-care and multidisciplinary approach would be needed to manage the condition. The article presents the review of orofacial considerations in scleroderma with a report of analysis of orofacial manifestations 3 cases.

Linear scleroderma en coup de sabre including abnormal dental development

BACKGROUND

Linear scleroderma en coup de sabre (SCS) is a rare skin condition, where dense collagen is deposited in a localised groove of the head and neck area resembling the stroke of a sabre. The SCS may involve the oral cavity, but the severity and relation to this skin abnormality is unknown. A paediatric dentist may be the first medical person to identify SCS by its involvement in dentition. It is assumed that the malformation of a dentition could be associated with the severity of the skin deviation.

CASE REPORT

A 6-year and 10-month-old Turkish girl with a history of SCS was referred for dental diagnostics and treatment. The SCS skin lesion affected the left side of her hairline over the forehead and nose, involving the left orbit proceeding towards the left oral region. Dental clinical/radiographic examination revealed malformed left maxillary incisors with short roots and lack of eruption.

FOLLOW-UP

The patient has been regularly controlled and treated since she was first diagnosed. A surgical and orthodontic treatment was performed to ensure optimal occlusion, space and alveolar bone development. The present age of the patient is 14 years and 10 months.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrated a patient with a left-sided skin defect (SCS) and a left-sided local malformation in her dentition. It is possible that there is a developmental connection between these two left-sided defects, both with an ectodermal origin.

[Oral manifestations of systemic sclerosis]

Nous rapportons l'observation d'une jeune femme de 26 ans ayant une sclérodermie systémique diffuse présentant une atteinte bucco-dentaire complexe: microstomie, hyperplasie gingivale, parodontite, dépôts tartriques, caries multiples et chevauchement dentaire antéro-inférieur. Nous discuterons à travers cette observation les manifestations bucco-dentaires de cette connectivite qui sont loin d’être rares mais souvent négligées par les cliniciens malgré leur retentissement fonctionnel majeur. Il convient de surveiller régulièrement l’état bucco-dentaire chez tout patient sclérodermique afin de diagnostiquer précocement ces atteintes. Diagnostiquées à un stade tardif les complications bucco-dentaires de la sclérodermie seront très difficiles à traiter.

Factors associated with oral hygiene practices among adults with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with oral hygiene practices in adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 178 dentate adults with SSc received an oral examination which included measurement of oral aperture, assessment of manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene, as well as completion of the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale and an oral health-related questionnaire.

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression modelling showed male, minority and high CES-D scores (i.e. clinically significant symptoms of depression) were associated with less likelihood of participants brushing teeth at least twice daily, but the presence of self-reported dry mouth symptoms increased the likelihood of toothbrushing. Having a dental visit in the past 12 months and use of an adapted flossing or interdental cleaning device were significantly associated with daily dental flossing; however, having difficulty flossing teeth reduced the likelihood of daily flossing.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, demographic variables were strongly associated with toothbrushing frequency, whereas flossing self-efficacy and barriers were strongly associated with dental flossing frequency in adults with SSc. The results suggest that dental health professionals should take mental health into consideration when educating patients with SSc to improve their oral hygiene and consider making referrals for patients exhibiting suspected clinically significant depressive symptoms to mental health professionals for further evaluation and treatment. In addition, an appropriate adapted flossing or interdental cleaning device should be recommended to increase dental flossing practices in this patient population.

Recommendations for the care of oral involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature and collect expert advice for proposing preventive and curative treatments of mouth and dental involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma).

METHODS

The literature pertaining to mouth and/or dental involvement related to SSc was reviewed, and recommendations were developed according to the suggestions of a French multidisciplinary working group of experts and validated by a lecture committee.

RESULTS

Dentists face 3 main issues in caring for SSc patients: oral mucosa involvement, manducatory apparatus and mouth involvement responsible for limitations in mouth opening, and treatment-related adverse events. An increased risk of tongue carcinoma has been noted. In patients with severe limitation in mouth opening (<30 mm), recommended treatments are a specific mouth-opening rehabilitation program, flexible sectional dentures, and splint therapy. Indications for dental implants depend on the severity of SSc, comorbidities, and/or ongoing bisphosphonate treatment. Prevention of mouth infections and caries implies patient education and teaching about mouth and dental hygiene, periodontal maintenance, and treatment of sicca syndrome. Cessation of tobacco use is mandatory. Patient-tailored rehabilitation may improve limitations in mouth opening. Systematic dental panoramic radiography allows for the early detection of dental caries.

CONCLUSION

Prevention of oral and dental complications is a major issue in patients with SSc. Dental treatment should be tailored to limitations in mouth opening, disease severity, and ongoing treatments.

[Pathogenesis of parodontitis in rheumatic diseases]

Inflammatory periodontal disease (PD) is a common disease worldwide that has a primarily bacterial aetiology and is characterized by dysregulation of the host inflammatory response. The degree of inflammation varies among individuals with PD independently of the degree of bacterial infection, suggesting that alteration of the immune function may substantially contribute to its extent. Factors such as smoking, education, and body mass index (BMI) are discussed as potential risk factors for PD. Most PD patients respond to bacterial invaders by mobilizing their defensive cells and releasing cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6, which ultimately causes tissue destruction by stimulating the production of collagenolytic enzymes, such matrix metalloproteinases. Recently, there has been growing evidence suggesting an association between PD and the increased risk of systemic diseases, such ateriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). PD and rheumatologic diseases such as RA share many pathological aspects and immunological findings.