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Marfan syndrome and Dentistry

Ashlyn Bruno, Dental Student
Meagan Payne, Dental Student
Lamar Institute of Technology Dental Program

MARFAN SYNDROME AND DENTISTRY

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The purpose of our research topic is to provide an overview of what Marfan syndrome is,
its etiology, identify the oral manifestations associated with the disorder, and discussing the
considerations for managing patients with Marfan syndrome during delivery of oral health care.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation of the FBN-1 gene on the
chromosome 15. (Bentley, 2013) The FBN-1 gene codes for the production of fibrillin-1, a
protein that is important for the formation of elastin fibre in connective tissue. (Glover & Spiers,
2013) Connective tissues are found throughout our body and have a range of different roles such
as anchorage, scaffolding, and connections between various structures. Marfan syndrome is a
heritable disorder of the connective tissue that mainly affects the cardiovascular, skeletal, and
ocular systems.
Some distinct features of Marfan syndrome are the reduced upper to lower body ratio,
increased arm span, scoliosis, and pigeon chest or funnel chest. Oral manifestations of Marfan
syndrome include maxillary protrusion, high palate, narrowed arch, crowding of the teeth, and
fragility of the temporomandibular joint. (Staufenbiel et al., 2013) Patients with Marfan
syndrome can have narrow faces, hypoplasia of the malar bone, hypermobility of the
temporomandibular joint, and hyper-extensibility of the muscle associated with the mandible
movement.
Patients with Marfan syndrome are at a greater risk of developing mitral valve prolapse
and infective endocarditis than the general population. (Hays & Nithiyananthasothy, 2014) So
the clinician should consult the cardiologist about antibiotic prophylaxis. Marfan syndrome
patients commonly have temporomandibular joint disorders causing the mandible to protrude
and be mobile. So the clinician should let the patient rest in between treatment, but the patients

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will eventually have to go through orthognathic surgery. A person with Marfan syndrome is at a
higher risk for gingivitis, caries, periodontitis, supernumerary teeth, root deformities, and pulp
anomalies. Therefore, creating some difficult problems that could be managed in time by the
orthodontist/dentist and dental hygienist. There are several things that you can do on a day-today basis to care for your teeth when you have Marfan syndrome or a related disorder. First and
foremost, daily dental care, brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist are a must!
Children with Marfan syndrome should see an orthodontist by the age of 7.
In conclusion, Marfan syndrome is a rare disorder of the connective tissue with many
manifestations. As a health care professional we should know the signs and symptoms of this
condition to better assist these patients with receiving the best dental treatment possible.

References
Staufenbiel, I., Hauschild, C., Kahl-Nieke, B., Vahle-Hinz, E., von Kodolitsch, Y., Berner, M.,
& ... Rahman, A. (2013). Periodontal conditions in patients with Marfan syndrome--a multicenter
case
control study. BMC Oral Health, 13(1), 59-71. doi:10.1186/1472-6831-13-59
Bentley, P. (2013). Marfan syndrome: biological basis and genetics. British Journal Of Cardiac
Nursing, 8(6), 284-288.

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D Hayes, R., Nithiyananthasothy, D. (2014). Provide Comprehensive Care for Patients with
Marfan Syndrome. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, volume 12, number 6.
Glover, D., & Spiers, C. (2013). Examination of a case of suspected Marfan syndrome. British
Journal Of Cardiac Nursing, 8(10), 499-503.