Abstract |
Individuals undergoing head and neck radiation treatments and cytotoxic chemotherapy for cancer are at risk for a variety of deleterious oral side effects. This added potential for oral problems places the cancer patient in a special category for oral health care management. Pretreatment intervention regimens directed at the supporting tissues of the teeth can effectively remove dental calculus deposits and cementum-imbedded bacterial toxins and reverse the inflammatory state of the periodontium back to normal. A variety of patient-applied fluoride agents are extremely effective in preventing severe radiation-associated dental decay, which is likely to occur after salivary gland dysfunction. Deficiencies in current patient management protocols and areas of current research are noted. Two essentials for a successful patient management program are emphasized: early referral of the patient to a knowledgeable dental team to ensure pre- cancer treatment oral health care intervention and long-term maintenance, and a family-oriented education and motivation program to enhance patient understanding and compliance.
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Authors | W E Wright |
Journal | NCI monographs : a publication of the National Cancer Institute
(NCI Monogr)
Issue 9
Pg. 57-9
( 1990)
ISSN: 0893-2751 [Print] United States |
PMID | 2342596
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Aged
- Dental Caries
(prevention & control)
- Head and Neck Neoplasms
(radiotherapy)
- Humans
- Male
- Oral Hygiene
- Periodontal Diseases
(prevention & control)
- Radiotherapy
(adverse effects)
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