Cystic fibrosis is often associated with which dental characteristic?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects various glands throughout the body, including the salivary glands, leading to thickened secretions and subsequently impacting oral health. One of the common dental characteristics seen in individuals with cystic fibrosis is stained teeth, particularly due to the increased susceptibility to caries and the presence of enamel hypoplasia. The salivary composition can also lead to an increased risk of dental staining, particularly from the accumulation of plaque and calculus.

While the condition can be linked to various dental issues, stained teeth specifically stand out as a direct consequence of the disease’s impact on oral health. Maintaining oral hygiene can be particularly challenging for cystic fibrosis patients, contributing further to the discoloration and staining of teeth.

The other characteristics mentioned, such as delayed tooth development, hypoplastic clavicles, and supernumerary teeth, do not represent the primary dental implications typically associated with cystic fibrosis. Therefore, stained teeth are the most notable dental characteristic for individuals with this condition.