Holistic approach of a child with cystic fibrosis: a case report

The Pediatric Dentistry Clinic staff of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) treated a 5-year-old patient who had multiple dental treatment necessities. He also had cystic fibrosis (CF). As CF is an incurable disease that affects the mucous glands, especially the ones related to the lungs and digestive organs, the patient presented both chronic respiratory and intestinal problems. Such problems resulted in a severely compromised nutritional status. Patients who have CF may present problems in oral health because they receive food supplementation that is rich in carbohydrates. Behavioral changes of such patients when in contact with health professionals are also a point to consider because these changes may make the treatment difficult. That is the reason why oral complications imposed by the disease, as well as the psychological aspects related to it, need to be discussed so that treatment is given to the patient aiming at physical and emotional comfort.