Gardner Syndrome: complications/manifestations in the oral cavity and their relationship with oral health

Gardner syndrome (GS) is a genetic disease, with autosomal dominant transmission, being a phenotypic variant of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is manifested by the development of numerous adenomas in the rectum during adolescence, and in most cases, if not identified and treated at an early stage, lead to colorectal cancer. This syndrome has several phenotypic characteristics and among them some changes in the oral cavity. Thus, the dentist has a preponderant role in the detection of lesions that may be present in the oral cavity in order to make possible an early diagnosis of the disease. Some manifestations of GS are observed at the dental level. Around 30 to 75% of GS patients present dental anomalies including dental agenesis, including teeth, delays in teeth eruption, dentigerous cysts, odontomas, supernumerary teeth, root fusion and hypercementosis. It is possible to see a significant difference in the presence of dental problems between patients with GS and the general population. In order to reduce morbidity and mortality, several types of surgery are used to eliminate the risk of colorectal cancer, preserving neighbouring anatomical functions.