Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of and independent risk factors for long-term effects of childhood cancer treatment on the dentition and oral health in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Methods: This cross-sectional study is part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS) LATER 2. CCSs were diagnosed with cancer between 1963 and 2001. This study focuses on survey data of 154 CCSs on whom information about their oral health was received from their dentists (71.3%). Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were performed to determine the association between treatment characteristics and oral health data. Results: Of the study group, 36.3% had at least one DDD. The most prevalent DDDs were short-root anomaly (14.6%), agenesis (14.3%), and microdontia (13.6%). Risk factors for at least one DDD were younger age at diagnosis (<3 years) and dose-dependent alkylating agent therapy. Conclusions: This study provides more insight into risk factors for oral health problems in Dutch CCSs. This information is essential in order to improve early detection, prevention, dental care, and quality of life. Further studies are needed in order to better define dose-related radiotherapy exposure of the developing teeth in correlation with oral health problems.

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Purpose Symptoms of oral chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) may significantly affect the oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study aimed to assess the OHRQoL in patients with oral cGVHD and to examine whether oral cGVHD symptoms, mucosal cGVHD, and salivary gland function correlated with OHRQoL. Methods Patients referred to the oral cGVHD outpatient clinic were included. Severity of oral mucosal cGVHD, oral cGVHD symptoms, and OHRQoL was assessed by the NIH OMS, NIH OSS, and OHIP-14, respectively. Unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rates were determined and categorized into “hyposalivation,” “normal salivary flow,” and “hypersalivation.” Results Of 56 included patients, 80% had mild, moderate, or severe oral mucosal cGVHD. Mean total score of OHRQoL was 16.5 (±11.7), negatively affected by functional problems. Patients reported highest scores regarding oral sensitivity and xerostomia. Significant correlations were found between severity of oral pain and OHRQoL and between oral sensitivity and OHRQoL. No correlation was found between oral mucosal cGVHD and OHRQoL. Patients with hyposalivation, normal salivary flow, and hypersalivation reported equal levels of OHRQoL. Conclusion Results demonstrate that the OHRQoL was mostly negatively affected by complaints of oral pain and oral sensitivity and less by the severity of oral mucosal cGVHD assessed by the NIH OMS score. Special attention of (oral) health care professionals for patients with oral cGVHD is mandatory to alleviate their symptoms and improve OHRQoL.

Background: Limited data are available on the risk factors of salivary gland dysfunction in long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The objective of this cross-sectional study, part of the multidisciplinary multicenter Dutch CCS Study Late Effects 2 (DCCSS LATER 2), was to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for hyposalivation and xerostomia in CCS. Methods: From February 2016 until March 2020, 292 CCS were included. Data with regard to gender, age at study, diagnosis, age at diagnosis, and treatment characteristics were collected, as well as the unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWS). Xerostomia was assessed with the Xerostomia Inventory (XI) questionnaire. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between potential risk factors and the occurrence of hyposalivation. Results: The minimum time between diagnosis and study enrollment was 15 years. The prevalence of hyposalivation was 32% and the prevalence of xerostomia was 9.4%. Hyposalivation and xerostomia were not significantly correlated. Risk factors for hyposalivation were female gender and a higher dose of radiotherapy (>12 Gy) to the salivary gland region. Conclusion: Considering the importance of saliva for oral health, screening for hyposalivation in CCS is suggested in order to provide optimal oral supportive care aimed to improve oral health.