Oral and dental health in children receiving oncological therapy

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Today, the number of cancer patients and consequently the death rate from cancer is gradually increasing. With the progress of science and technology, improvement has been achieved in cancer treatment and new chemotherapy agents and radiotherapy techniques have been introduced. Despite the use of these new discoveries in the treatment and in the prevention of the spread of the disease, they still cause systemic and local complications as well as a number of serious complications. Decrease in quality of life in cancer patients due to existing disease or treatment underline the importance of care and follow-up during this period. The types and prognosis of cancer differ in children and adults. Even if primary cancer focus is outside the mouth, systemic side effects of the oncological treatment may lead to complications and can cause health problems decreasing the life quality of child. Health problems and complications in children receiving oncological treatment are known to bemore severe than that of adults. Chemotherapy has short-term and transient side effects, whereas radiotherapy hasmore long-termand permanent side effects. The main side effects are: mucositis, xerestomia, radiation caries, opportunistic infections and osteoradionecrosis. Pediatric dentists undertake an important role for decreasing side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in orofacial structures. Therefore, oncological treatment should be planned as a team work, and before, during and after treatment, pediatric dentists should play a decisive role inmaintaining the oral and dental health. The aim of this review is to discuss oral complications in children receiving oncological treatment and to highlight alternative methods for treatment.

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Chemotherapy , child , oncological therapy , oral health , radiotherapy

Acta Odontologica Turcica

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Acta Odontologica Turcica