Orthodontic care for patients with epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a diverse group of disorders characterised by increased skin fragility and blistering of the skin following minor or insignificant trauma or traction of the skin (Fine, 2010). The condition came to public attention following the broadcast of the documentary ‘The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off ’ which told the story of Jonny Kennedy who had EB (Channel 4, 2004). In addition to skin fragility and blistering, depending on the type of EB that is present, internal blistering can occur in the oral cavity, the larynx and the pharynx. This internal blistering may lead to reduced opening of the temporomandibular joint, tender soft tissues in the oral cavity, reduced saliva production and decreased mobility of the tongue due to the fusion of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.