Orofacial manifestations of SSc appear to be
numerous and common, including diminished maximal oral aperture, atrophy of the
oral mucosa, fibrotic changes, salivary hypofunction, periodontal ligament
changes, enlarged parotid glands, and osteal resorption of the mandible among
others. However, to date few studies have adequately or systematically
estimated the prevalence of these manifestations and none have addressed the
impact of oral health problems resulting from SSc on health related quality of
life (HRQoL). Thus, the two overall objectives of this study will be to
estimate the prevalence of the orofacial manifestations of SSc in Canada and to
evaluate their impact on oral and general HRQoL. Addressing these issues will
allow the CSRG to develop future projects related to orofacial manifestations
in SSc, with the ultimate goal of raising awareness about the oral health
problems experienced by these patients, so that appropriate attention may be
directed towards the prevention and treatment of these problems.
Dr. Mervyn Gornitsky, an oral and
maxillofacial surgeon and member of the CSRG, is the Primary Investigator on
this 2-year CIHR grant (2008-2010). He will work alongside co-investigators,
Dr. Murray Baron, Dr. Marie Hudson, Dr. Russell Steele and Dr. Marie Dagenais,
and a team of Dentists from 6 CSRG sites across Canada, including Dr. David
MacDonald (Vancouver), Dr. Maria Copete (Saskatoon), Dr. Dean Kolbinson
(Saskatoon), Dr. Norman Thie (Edmonton), Dr. Tarek El Sayegh (London), Dr.
Deborah Matthews (Halifax), Dr. Trey Petty (Calgary), Dr. Mandana Nematollahi
(Winnipeg) and Dr. Getulio Nogueira (Winnipeg). The investigators met at the
Oral Health Workshop in Montreal on June 7th-8th where an exact dental examination
procedure was determined and study logistics were established.
For further information on the CSRG Oral Health Study please contact Sabrina Gravel, study coordinator, at 514-340-8222 ext 3423.