CDHO Advisory: Disorders of the Adrenal Gland
COLLEGE OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS OF ONTARIO ADVISORY
ADVISORY TITLE
Use of the dental hygiene interventions of scaling of teeth and root planing including curetting surrounding tissue, orthodontic and restorative practices, and other invasive interventions for persons1 with disorders of the adrenal gland.
ADVISORY STATUS
Cite as College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, CDHO Advisory Disorders of the Adrenal Gland, 2024-05-27
INTERVENTIONS AND PRACTICES CONSIDERED
Scaling of teeth and root planing including curetting surrounding tissue, orthodontic and restorative practices, and other invasive interventions (“the Procedures”).
SCOPE
DISEASE/CONDITION(S)/PROCEDURE(S)
Disorders of the adrenal gland
INTENDED USERS
Advanced practice nurses
Dental assistants
Dental hygienists
Dentists
Denturists
Dieticians
Health professional students
Nurses
Patients/clients
Pharmacists
Physicians
Public health departments
Regulatory bodies
ADVISORY OBJECTIVE(S)
To guide dental hygienists at the point of care relative to the use of the Procedures for persons who have disorders of the adrenal gland, chiefly as follows.
- Understanding the medical condition.
- Sourcing medications information.
- Taking the medical and medications history.
- Identifying and contacting the most appropriate healthcare provider(s) for medical advice.
- Understanding and taking appropriate precautions prior to and during the Procedures proposed.
- Deciding when and when not to proceed with the Procedures proposed.
- Dealing with adverse events arising during the Procedures.
- Record keeping.
- Advising the patient/client.
TARGET POPULATION
Child (2 to 12 years)
Adolescent (13 to 18 years)
Adult (19 to 44 years)
Middle Age (45 to 64 years)
Aged (65 to 79 years)
Aged 80 and over
Male
Female
Parents, guardians, and family caregivers of children, young persons and adults with disorders of the adrenal gland.
MAJOR OUTCOMES CONSIDERED
For persons who have disorders of the adrenal gland: to maximize health benefits and minimize adverse effects by promoting the performance of the Procedures at the right time with the appropriate precautions, and by discouraging the performance of the Procedures at the wrong time or in the absence of appropriate precautions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
UNDERSTANDING THE MEDICAL CONDITION
Terminology used in this Advisory
Resources consulted
- College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario: Cushing Syndrome Fact Sheet
- College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario: Adrenal Insufficiency Fact Sheet
- Adrenal Crisis in Emergency Medicine, Medscape
- Adrenal Gland Disorders, NIH MedlinePlus
- Adrenal Gland Disorders, NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Androgen Excess, Medscape
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Medscape
- Cushing’s Syndrome, Merck Manuals
- Cushing’s Syndrome, NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Functions of the Adrenal Steroid Hormones, The Medical Biochemistry Page
- Hyperaldosteronism, Merck Manuals
- Hyperaldosteronism, Primary, Medscape
- Pheochromocytoma, Merck Manuals
- Pituitary Disorders, MedlinePlus
Disorders of the adrenal gland chiefly comprise
- Addison disease
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Cushing disease
- Cushing syndrome
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Pheochromocytoma
- Virilization
- Adenoma, a benign tumor in glands.
- Addisonian crisis, a severe, acute and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient cortisol.
- Addison disease is
- a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of their hormones
- also called
- adrenal insufficiency
- adrenocortical hypofunction
- chronic adrenocortical insufficiency
- primary adrenal insufficiency.
- Adrenal glands, also called the suprarenal glands, which
- are situated at the top of the kidneys
- are responsible for
- maintaining metabolic processes, such as
- managing blood sugar levels
- regulating inflammation
- regulating the balance of salt and water
- controlling the “fight-or-flight” response to stress
- maintaining pregnancy
- initiating and controlling sexual maturation during childhood and puberty
- maintaining metabolic processes, such as
- comprise two parts, each with different functions
- outer, the adrenal cortex, which secretes corticosteroid hormones
- inner, the adrenal medulla, which
- is not essential to life
- helps in combating physical and emotional stress
- secretes
- epinephrine (adrenaline), which
- increases the
- heart rate
- force of heart contractions
- facilitates blood flow to the muscles and brain
- relaxes smooth muscles
- helps conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, and other activities
- increases the
- norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which
- is strongly vasoconstrictive
- increases blood pressure
- epinephrine (adrenaline), which
- work with the hypothalamus, which
- normally triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol into the bloodstream in the right amount for the body’s needs
- may cause the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol when there are problems with the
- adrenal glands
- pituitary gland, which may cause it to over-stimulate the adrenal glands, setting up a harmful feedback loop
- the hypothalamus itself.
- Adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal enlargement, of which the most common cause is Cushing syndrome, also occurs as congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Adrenal insufficiency, when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain hormones
- primary adrenal insufficiency describes the cause of Addison disease
- secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland fails to produce enough adrenocorticotropin.
- Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
- Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone that
- is produced in the adrenal cortex in response to low salt levels
- regulates the balance of salt and water in the body.
- Androgens, hormones associated with masculine characteristics, which
- are produced in
- males, from the testes
- females, primarily from the adrenal glands and the ovaries
- in excess are responsible for the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, with various clinical features such as
- acne
- hirsutism
- reproductive dysfunction
- virilization.
- are produced in
- Catecholamines, powerful hormones that
- induce high blood pressure
- include
- dopamine
- epinephrine (adrenaline)
- norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic disorder resulting in adrenal gland deficiency, in which the body
- produces insufficient cortisol
- may be affected by other hormone imbalances, such as
- insufficient aldosterone
- excess androgens.
- Corticosteroids, hormones that are chemically classed as steroids, which may be synthesized in the laboratory, and which include
- glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol, which
- maintain glucose control
- suppress the immune response
- help the body respond to stress
- mineralocorticoid hormones, such as aldosterone, which regulate
- sodium balance
- potassium balance
- sex hormones, affecting sexual development and sex drive, called
- androgens
- estrogens
- glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol, which
- Cushing disease, a form of Cushing syndrome, in which
- the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropin, leading to overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal cortex
- the pituitary gland usually has a small adenoma.
- Cushing syndrome, a condition which
- results from excess of cortisol
- displays the clinical picture resulting from cortisol excess from any cause.
- Estrogens, are
- produced in
- women, mainly in the ovaries, in the placenta during pregnancy and in the adrenals
- in men, by the adrenal glands and testes
- in both sexes by many tissues in the body, especially fat and muscle
- responsible for female sexual development and function, such as breast development and the menstrual cycle.
- produced in
- Glucocorticoids, hormones such as cortisol, which
- control inflammation
- govern the metabolism of carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, fats and proteins
- are produced in the adrenal cortex or are manufactured chemically in the laboratory.
- Hyperaldosteronism, overproduction of aldosterone which leads to fluid retention and increased blood pressure, weakness, and, rarely, periods of paralysis.
- Hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls numerous bodily functions.
- Incidence, the total of new cases of an illness diagnosed during a specific time period.
- Pheochromocytoma, a tumour that
- usually originates in the adrenal glands
- causes overproduction of catecholamines.
- Pituitary gland, the size of a pea, the master gland of the body that
- is situated at the base of the brain
- produces hormones that stimulate other glands, including the adrenal glands, to produce various other hormones
- controls biochemical processes important to well-being.
- Pituitary tumours, benign, which may
- restrict the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
- reduce
- the adrenal gland’s release of hormones needed for the “fight-or-flight” response to stress
- the body’s ability to handle physiological stress resulting in Addison’s disease, which can be fatal
- lead to a form of Cushing syndrome called Cushing disease.
- Prevalence, the number of people currently with an illness in a given year.
- Thrush, also termed oral candidiasis or oral moniliasis, is
- a yeast infection of the mouth or throat
- most commonly caused by Candida albicans.
- Virilization, the development of exaggerated masculine characteristics, usually in women, often as a result of the adrenal glands overproducing androgens.
Overview of disorders of the adrenal gland
Resources consulted
- College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario: Cushing Syndrome Fact Sheet
- College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario: Adrenal Insufficiency Fact Sheet
- Adrenal Crisis in Emergency Medicine, Medscape
- Adrenal Gland Disorders, NIH MedlinePlus
- Adrenal Gland Disorders, NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Androgen Excess, Medscape
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Medscape
- Cushing’s Syndrome, Merck Manuals
- Cushing’s Syndrome, NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Functions of the Adrenal Steroid Hormones, The Medical Biochemistry Page
- Hyperaldosteronism, Merck Manuals
- Hyperaldosteronism, Primary, Medscape
- Pheochromocytoma, Merck Manuals
- The Hormone Foundation, Pituitary Disorders Overview
- Pituitary Disorders, MedlinePlus
- Addison disease
- results from damage to the adrenal cortex, which
- causes the cortex to produce less of its hormones
- may be caused by
- autoimmune diseases, which may result from genetic defects, such as
- chronic thyroiditis (CDHO Advisory)
- dermatis herpetiformis
- Graves’ disease (CDHO Advisory)
- hypoparathyroidism
- hypopituitarism
- myasthenia gravis
- pernicious anemia (CDHO Advisory)
- testicular dysfunction
- type I diabetes (CDHO Advisory)
- vitiligo
- infections such as
- tuberculosis (CDHO Advisory)
- HIV (CDHO Advisory)
- thrush and other fungal infections
- hemorrhage
- tumours
- anticoagulants
- autoimmune diseases, which may result from genetic defects, such as
- may produce a severe, potentially life-threatening acute state, the Addisonian crisis, which
- is characterized by
- dehydration
- loss of consciousness
- low blood pressure
- severe vomiting and diarrhea
- sudden, penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs
- may be the first indication of Addison disease
- is characterized by
- produces in the chronic state gradually developing symptoms or signs that
- start with the most common, which are
- loss of appetite
- muscle weakness
- persistent, worsening fatigue
- weight loss
- include
- craving for salty foods, owing to salt loss
- diarrhea, which may be persistent
- fatigue
- headache
- hypoglycemia
- in women, irregular or absent menstrual periods
- irritability and depression
- orthostatic hypotension, low blood pressure that falls further with standing, resulting in acute manifestations such as
- dizziness
- fainting
- nausea
- sweating
- vomiting
- mouth lesions on the buccal mucosa
- movements that are slow, sluggish
- skin changes, such as
- hyperpigmentation, most visible on
- scars
- skin folds
- pressure points such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, and toes
- lips and mucous membranes such as the buccal mucosa.
- patchy or unnatural colouring
- paleness
- hyperpigmentation, most visible on
- may be recognized only after a stressful event such as illness, accident, surgery or, possibly, invasive procedures in oral healthcare, which causes worsening of the condition
- start with the most common, which are
- in the chronic state is treated with hormone replacement therapy, using medications
- for the hormones that the adrenal glands are not producing, especially
- cortisol, replaced with a synthetic glucocorticoid
- aldosterone, replaced with a mineralocorticoid, which may require increase in oral salt intake
- except where the cause, such as tuberculosis (CDHO Advisory), is treatable
- for the hormones that the adrenal glands are not producing, especially
- during an Addisonian crisis (also known as “adrenal crisis”) is treated with
- intravenous injections of glucocorticoids
- large volumes of intravenous saline solution with dextrose
- immediate post-crisis care with
- oral fluids and medications
- gradual adjustment of glucocorticoids and, if required, a mineralocorticoid.
- results from damage to the adrenal cortex, which
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- is caused by an error on a single gene
- is inherited
- results in
- deficiency of
- cortisol
- aldosterone
- excess of androgens
- deficiency of
- presents symptoms and signs that vary from unnoticeable to severe
- in the mild form may include
- acne
- for children
- height shorter than that of parents at a similar age
- early signs of puberty
- for women
- irregular periods
- difficulty becoming pregnant
- excess facial hair
- in the severe form may include
- dehydration
- blood pressure abnormally low
- blood sugar low
- external genitalia in girls: altered development noted at birth that may require surgical correction
- for children
- height shorter than that of parents at a similar age
- early signs of puberty
- for men
- benign testicular tumours
- infertility
- for women
- irregular periods
- difficulty becoming pregnant
- excess facial hair
- salt retention: impairment
- in the mild form may include
- is routinely screened for in newborns in Ontario and elsewhere; signs include
- ambiguous genitalia
- salt wasting while a diagnosis is being established
- abnormal weight loss or lack of expected weight gain
- is incurable but can be treated with medications, without which the severe form can be life-threatening.
- Cushing disease
- is a form of Cushing syndrome in which the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropin, which results in excess production of cortisol
- is caused by lesions in the pituitary, including
- tumour
- hyperplasia
- is treated by
- surgery to remove one or other of the
- pituitary tumour
- adrenal glands
- radiotherapy (CDHO Advisory) to shrink or destroy the tumour
- surgery to remove one or other of the
- may require medications
- during post-operative recovery
- where surgery is incompletely successful.
- Cushing syndrome
- in incidence
- for endogenous causes (including Cushing disease), ranges from 0.7 to 5.0 per million population per year
- may be more common than previously thought (particularly when taking into account exogenous, iatrogenic causes)
- in populations of obese persons with type 2 diabetes (CDHO Advisory) especially those with poor blood glucose control and hypertension, the reported prevalence is between 2 percent and 5 percent, signaling that it is not rare in association with diabetes, especially when this is poorly controlled
- is hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex due to
- hypersecretion of adrenocorticotropin by the pituitary gland
- secretion of adrenocorticotropin by a non-pituitary tumour
- adrenal adenoma, tumours of the ovary, and other organs
- therapeutic administration of corticosteroids
- is diagnosed by tests that show for cortisol
- increased production
- abnormal suppression
- arises when medications
- cause the body to make too much cortisol
- contain extra cortisol which has brought the body level above normal
- may occur with
- adrenal tumours
- ectopic ACTH syndrome
- genetic Cushing’s syndrome
- pituitary tumours
- exhibits clinical manifestations which may be so variable that they are misinterpreted, with consequent delay in diagnosis that increases morbidity and mortality
- commonly exhibits signs and symptoms such as
- blood pressure, raised
- blood sugar, raised
- growth rates that are slow in children
- moodiness, irritability, or depression
- muscle and bone weakness
- obesity of the upper body, roundness of the face and neck, and thinning of the arms and legs
- skin problems, such as acne or reddish-blue streaks in the skin
- in women may cause
- growth of hair on the face and body
- menstrual irregularities
- in men may reduce
- fertility
- sex drive
- is medically investigated for excess cortisol production with
- blood, urine and, sometimes, saliva tests
- examinations to determine the cause of the excess production
- is treated for the cause of the excess of cortisol in the body resulting from
- medication used for the Cushing’s syndrome or another disorder, which is managed by
- dose reduction
- medication change
- excess production by the body arising from
- surgery
- radiation
- combination of treatments
- medication used for the Cushing’s syndrome or another disorder, which is managed by
- can usually be successfully treated with medications.
- in incidence
- Hyperaldosteronism
- though rare is considered one of the more common causes of secondary hypertension (CDHO Advisory)
- may be
- caused by tumor in an adrenal gland
- a response to various diseases
- may, through high aldosterone levels, cause
- high blood pressure
- low potassium levels leading to
- weakness
- tingling
- muscle spasms
- periods of temporary paralysis
- is medically assessed with blood-level measurements of
- sodium
- potassium
- aldosterone
- is treated by
- removal of the tumour
- medications to block the action of aldosterone.
- Pheochromocytoma, the tumour, the effects of which are
- characterized by
- high blood pressure, the most important symptom
- fast and pounding pulse
- excessive sweating
- light-headedness when standing
- rapid breathing
- severe headaches
- medically investigated by
- measurements of blood-level of catecholamines
- tumour detection by imaging
- is treated by
- medications to control blood pressure until the pheochromocytoma is removed
- surgical removal of the pheochromocytoma.
- characterized by
- Virilization is
- caused by excess production of androgens
- usually resulting from causes such as
- enlargement of the hormone-producing portions of the adrenal cortex (adrenal hyperplasia)
- hormone-producing tumour in the adrenal gland
- occasionally resulting from
- a tumour outside the adrenal gland that produces androgens
- cystic enlargement of the ovaries
- enzyme abnormalities
- sometimes resulting from consumption by athletes of large quantities of androgens, referred to as anabolic steroids, to increase muscle bulk
- usually resulting from causes such as
- is characterized by
- excess facial and body hair
- baldness
- acne
- deepening of the voice
- increased muscularity
- increased sex drive associated with the development of exaggerated masculine characteristics, usually in women, often as a result of the adrenal glands overproducing androgens
- is medically assessed by
- the physical appearance of virilization
- the dexamethasone suppression test
- is treated by
- surgical removal of the tumor
- medications to reduce the excess hormone production.
- caused by excess production of androgens
Multimedia and images
Comorbidity, complications and associated conditions
Comorbid conditions are those which co-exist with disorders of the adrenal gland but which are not believed to be caused by it. Complications and associated conditions are those that may have some link with it. Distinguishing among comorbid conditions, complications and associated conditions may be difficult in clinical practice, especially with disorders of the adrenal gland.
- Addison disease
- anorexia nervosa
- autoimmune disorders
- irritability and depression
- type 1 Diabetes
- Cushing disease
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- hypertension, which may not fully recover following successful treatment of the Cushing disease
- immune system disorders
- psychiatric disorders
Oral health considerations
Resources consulted
- College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario: Cushing Syndrome Fact Sheet
- College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario: Adrenal Insufficiency Fact Sheet
- Addison Disease, Medscape
- Adrenal crisis provoked by dental infection: case report and review of the literature, PubMed
- Adrenal Disease and Pregnancy, Medscape
- Candidiasis, Medscape
- Dental management of patients with endocrine disorders, J Clin Exp Dent
- Management of patients with adrenocortical insufficiency in the dental clinic, PubMed
- Steroid cover for dental patients on long-term steroid medication: proposed clinical guidelines based upon a critical review of the literature, British Dental Journal
- Supplemental corticosteroids for dental patients with adrenal insufficiency, Journal of the American Dental Association
- Addison disease
- is a serious condition that requires the dental hygienist, as a matter of routine, to consult with the patient/client’s family physician
- about the need for supplementary medication
- during pregnancy
- for children and adults with adrenal insufficiency
- to explain the nature of the intended dental hygiene procedures
- about the need for supplementary medication
- may cause signs and symptoms that the dental hygienist should draw to the attention of the primary care physician, such as
- mouth lesions, such as sores, including chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
- patchy hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa, and various skin sites, associated with increased melanin
- bronzing of the skin
- requires oral healthcare to follow a general clinical plan that involves
- recognizing the possibility of orthostatic hypotension
- providing treatment in the morning
- minimizing physical and psychological stresses, for which dental hygiene may be a cause
- interrupting treatment in an Addisonian crisis
- is treated with a synthetic glucocorticoid to replace the missing endogenous cortisol, the effects of which may complicate oral healthcare procedures, including
- delayed wound healing
- increased capillary fragility
- alveolar bone loss, with the possibility of pathological fractures
- produces Addisonian crisis only rarely in oral healthcare though the risk
- may be increased with dental infection in children with adrenal insufficiency, and thus may require antibiotic treatment or prophylaxis
- is somewhat higher with primary adrenal insufficiency than with secondary adrenal insufficiency
- when resulting either from primary adrenal insufficiency or secondary adrenal insufficiency does not normally require cortisol supplementation or related cover for
- nonsurgical periodontal treatment
- minor surgical procedures under local anesthesia
- during pregnancy, treatment is continued throughout with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement dosages; some patients/clients may require additional glucocorticoid in the third trimester
- is a serious condition that requires the dental hygienist, as a matter of routine, to consult with the patient/client’s family physician
- Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease
- are risk factors for oral candidiasis and may require antifungal prophylaxis
- require removal of dental appliances from the mouth during imaging for differential diagnosis
- require recognition that Cushing syndrome is not uncommon in association with diabetes (CDHO Advisory), especially when poorly controlled
- may increase the risk of
- infection with complex dental procedures
- cardiovascular collapse, in which the heart stops pumping blood
- may be associated with
- hypertension, in connection with which the dental hygienist may measure the blood pressure prior to implementing procedures
- hyperglycemia
- may display signs that the dental hygienist should report to the primary care physician if the patient/client is unaware of them and their possible significance, such
- facial edema (“moon face”)
- skin that appears tanned
- blotchy gingiva, palate, and buccal mucosa
- may in Cushing’s syndrome be caused by the effect of corticosteroids used to treat other conditions, resulting in the risk of
- delayed wound healing
- increased capillary fragility
- alveolar bone loss.
MEDICATIONS SUMMARY
Sourcing medications information
- Adverse effect database
- Health Canada’s Marketed Health Products Directorate (MedEffect Canada) toll-free 1-866-234-2345
- Health Canada’s Drug Product Database
- Specialized organizations
- Medications considerations
All medications have potential side effects whether taken alone or in combination with other prescription medications, or as over-the-counter (OTC) or herbal medications. - Information on herbals and supplements
Types of medications
- Addison disease
- synthetic glucocorticoids
- dexamethasone (Decadron®)
- hydrocortisone (Cortef®, Hydrocortone®)
- methylprednisolone (Medrol®)
- prednisone (Sterapred®)
- mineralocorticoid
- fludrocortisone acetate (Florinef® Acetate)
- synthetic glucocorticoids
- Cushing disease, following surgery
- hydrocortisone (Cortef®, Hydrocortone®)
- ketoconazole (Nizoral®)
- mitotane (Lysodren®)
- Cushing syndrome
- cimetidine (Tagamet®)
- famotidine (Pepcid)
- ketoconazole (Nizoral®)
- lansoprazole (Prevacid®)
- mitotane (Lysodren®)
- omeprazole (Prilosec®)
- pantoprazole (Protonix®)
- ranitidine (Zantac®)
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- mineralocorticoid
- fludrocortisone acetate (Florinef® Acetate)
- synthetic glucocorticoid
- hydrocortisone (Cortef®, Hydrocortone®)
- mineralocorticoid
- Hyperaldosteronism
- amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide (Moduretic®)
- eplerenone (Inspra®)
- nifedipine (Adalat®, Nifedica®)
- spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide (Aldactazide®, Spironazide®)
- triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide®, Maxzide®)
- Pheochromocytoma
- atenolol (Tenormin®)
- doxazosin mesylate (Cardura®)
- phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline®)
- propranolol oral (Inderal®, Pronol®)
- Virilization
- combinations of estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone)
- dexamethasone oral (Dexamethasone Intensol®)
Side effects of medications
See the links above to the specific medications.
THE MEDICAL AND MEDICATIONS HISTORY
The dental hygienist’s medical and medications history-taking should
- focus on screening the patient/client prior to treatment decision relative to
- key symptoms
- medications considerations
- contraindications
- complications
- comorbidities
- associated conditions
- gather information needed preparatory to requests for advice from the primary or specialized care provider(s)
- inquire about
- pointers in the history of significance to disorders of the adrenal gland, including
- Addison disease
- Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease
- diabetes, types 1 and 2
- pheochromocytoma
- pregnancy
- thyroid disease
- symptoms indicative of problematic control of Addison disease, Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease
- the patient/client’s understanding and acceptance of the need for oral healthcare
- medications considerations, including over-the-counter medications, herbals and supplements
- problems with previous dental/dental hygiene care
- problems with infections generally and specifically associated with dental/dental hygiene care
- the patient/client’s current state of health
- how the patient/client’s current symptoms relate to
- oral health
- health generally
- recent changes in the patient/client’s condition.
- pointers in the history of significance to disorders of the adrenal gland, including
IDENTIFYING AND CONTACTING THE MOST APPROPRIATE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER(S) FOR ADVICE
Identifying and contacting the most appropriate healthcare provider(s) from whom to obtain medical or other advice pertinent to a particular patient/client
The dental hygienist should
- record the name of the physician/primary care provider most closely associated with the patient/client’s healthcare, and the telephone number
- obtain from the patient/client, parent/guardian or substitute decision-maker written, informed consent to contact the identified physician/primary healthcare provider
- use a consent/medical consultation form, and be prepared to securely send the form to the provider
- include on the form a standardized statement of the Procedures proposed, with a request for advice on proceeding or not at the particular time, and any precautions to be observed.
UNDERSTANDING AND TAKING APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS
Infection Control
Dental hygienists are required to keep their practices current with infection control policies and procedures, especially in relation to
- the CDHO’s Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines (2024)
- relevant occupational health and safety legislative requirements
- relevant public health legislative requirements
- best practices or other protocols specific to the medical condition of the patient/client.
DECIDING WHEN AND WHEN NOT TO INITIATE THE PROCEDURES PROPOSED
The dental hygienist
- should not implement the Procedures without prior consultation with the appropriate primary or specialist care provider(s)
- may postpone the Procedures pending medical advice if the patient/client
- has not complied with pre-medication as directed by the prescribing physician
- has recently changed significant medications, under medical advice or otherwise
- has recently experienced changes in his/her medical condition such as medication or other side effects of treatment
- is unable to provide the dental hygienist with sufficient information about
- medications
- the medical history
- has symptoms or signs of
- exacerbation of the medical condition
- comorbidity, complication or an associated condition
- not recently or ever sought and received medical advice relative to oral healthcare procedures
- is deeply concerned about any aspect of his or her medical condition.
DEALING WITH ANY ADVERSE EVENTS ARISING DURING THE PROCEDURES
Dental hygienists are required to initiate emergency protocols as required by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario’s Standards of Practice, and as appropriate for the condition of the patient/client.
First-aid provisions and responses as required for current certification in first aid.
RECORD KEEPING
Subject to Ontario Regulation 9/08 Part III.1, Records, in particular S 12.1 (1) and (2), for a patient/client with a history of disorders of the adrenal gland, the dental hygienist should specifically record
- a summary of the medical and medications history
- any advice received from the physician/primary care provider relative to the patient/client’s condition
- the decision made by the dental hygienist, with reasons
- compliance with the precautions required
- all Procedure(s) used
- any advice given to the patient/client.
ADVISING THE PATIENT/CLIENT
The dental hygienist should
- urge the patient/client to alert any healthcare professional who proposes any intervention or test that the patient/client
- has a history of disorders of the adrenal gland, in particular Cushing syndrome, Cushing disease, or adrenal insufficiency (including Addison disease)
- is taking synthetic glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid medication
- should discuss, as appropriate
- the importance of the patient/client’s
- self-checking the mouth regularly for new signs or symptoms
- reporting to the appropriate healthcare provider any changes in the mouth
- the need for regular oral health examinations and preventive oral healthcare
- oral self-care including information about
- choice of toothpaste
- tooth-brushing techniques and related devices
- dental flossing
- mouth rinses
- management of a dry mouth
- the importance of an appropriate diet in the maintenance of oral health
- for persons at an advanced stage of a disease or debilitation
- regimens for oral hygiene as a component of supportive care and palliative care
- the role of the family caregiver, with emphasis on maintaining an infection-free environment through hand-washing and, if appropriate, wearing gloves
- scheduling and duration of appointments to minimize stress and fatigue
- comfort level while reclining, and stress and anxiety related to the Procedures
- medication side effects such as dry mouth, and recommend treatment
- mouth ulcers and other conditions of the mouth relating to disorders of the adrenal gland, comorbidities, complications or associated conditions, medications or diet
- pain management.
- the importance of the patient/client’s
BENEFITS/HARMS OF IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
- Promoting health through oral hygiene for persons who have disorders of the adrenal gland.
- Reducing the adverse effects, such as stress and anxiety by
- consultation with the primary or other care provider prior to implementation of the Procedures
- generally increasing the comfort level of persons in the course of dental-hygiene interventions
- using appropriate techniques of communication
- providing advice on scheduling and duration of appointments.
- Reducing the risk that oral health needs are unmet.
POTENTIAL HARMS
- Causing injury to a patient/client by failure to recognize the risk of postural hypotension.
- Performing the Procedures at an inappropriate time, such as
- when the Cushing syndrome patient/client’s diabetes is poorly controlled
- when stress tolerance is low or concurrent infection is present in the patient/client with adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison disease), particularly in the absence of consideration of supplemental dose(s) of corticosteroid – an adrenal crisis is a life-threatening medical emergency
- in the presence of complications for which prior medical advice is required
- in the presence of acute oral infection without prior medical advice.
- Disturbing the normal dietary and medications routine of a person with a disorder of the adrenal gland.
- Inappropriate management of pain or medication.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
CONTRAINDICATIONS IN REGULATIONS
Identified in the Dental Hygiene Act, 1991 – O. Reg. 218/94 Part III
ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED
2011-02-01
DATE OF LAST REVIEW
2018-10-29; 2019-10-30; 2024-05-27
ADVISORY DEVELOPER(S)
College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, regulatory body
Greyhead Associates, medical information service specialists
SOURCE(S) OF FUNDING
College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario
ADVISORY COMITTEE
College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, Practice Advisors
COMPOSITION OF GROUP THAT AUTHORED THE ADVISORY
Dr Gordon Atherley
O StJ , MB ChB, DIH, MD, MFCM (Royal College of Physicians, UK), FFOM (Royal College of Physicians, UK), FACOM (American College of Occupational Medicine), LLD (hc), FRSA
Dr Kevin Glasgow
MD, MHSc, MBA, DTM&H, CHE, CCFP, DABPM, LFACHE, FCFP, FACPM, FRCPC
Lisa Taylor
RDH, BA, MEd
Giulia Galloro
RDH, BSc(DH)
Kyle Fraser
RDH, BComm, BEd, MEd
Carolle Lepage
RDH, BEd
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario gratefully acknowledges the Template of Guideline Attributes, on which this advisory is modelled, of The National Guideline Clearinghouse™ (NGC), sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Denise Lalande
Final layout and proofreading
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT(S)
© 2011, 2018, 2019, 2024 College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario
FOOTNOTES
1 Persons includes young persons and children.