Dental demineralization and caries in patients with head and neck cancer

ATR-FTIR Assessment of the Biochemical Composition and Micro Hardness of the Hard Tissues of Oral Cavity Submitted to Gamma Irradiation

“…According to the recent literature [14][15][16] dentin was the greatest hard tissue injured because of a major destruction by gamma radiation, considering as a mean factor, its organic composition, and water higher content than other hard tissues, besides other local factors like proteinases and metálo-proteinases activated during the destructive and protein degradation process. In this study, root dentin showed a lower rate injured than enamel, agreed with several previous studies [15][16][17][18][19] with a specific dose threshold (doses up to 30 Gy), whose demonstrated greater hardness enamel loss than in higher doses. Nevertheless, results obtained in this study regarding enamel microhardness values would require further accurate assessment and consequently more studies will been carried out about direct and isolated effect of gamma radiation.…”

“…Some studies [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] report unfavorable results in the tissues of oral cavity with greater organic content after radiotherapy treatment; however, it is necessary to analyze the amount of mineral loss that occurs in the hard tissues submitted to gamma irradiation [22].…”

Effect of Radiotherapy on Oral Microflora of Patients with Head and Neck Malignancies

“…Patients with chronic hyposalivation are at risk for demineralization and dental cavitation (dental caries), often presenting as a severe form of rapidly developing decay that results in loss of dentition. Usual post-radiation oral care which includes the use of fluoride, may decrease, but does not eliminate dental caries associated with radiation-induced hyposalivation (Deng et al, 2015). In a review article, Kaul et al 2015 reported that changes in the chemical composition of saliva and increased amounts of cariogenic oral bacteria result in rapid decalcification of dental enamel.…”

A culture shock in dental hygiene: Exploring the management of oral health after head and neck cancer

“…11 Surgery is often complex and may involve composite resection (removal of primary tumour, lymph nodes and bone adjacent to malignancy) of oral soft tissues and supporting structures. 17,18 Adjunctive products are often recommended to compensate for the reduced lubricating, remineralizing and antimicrobial functions of the altered saliva and include topical forms of calciumphosphate, mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine, and salivary substitutes. Beyond the functioning of the dentition, surgery may result in functional deficits to swallowing, speech and chewing and may affect facial appearance.…”

“…14,15 Supportive oral care is required during and after treatment, to assist in the management of treatment toxicities, such as mucositis, as well as assisting patients to adapt oral hygiene practices to compensate for sensory loss, the presence of tissue grafts or trismus (limited mouth opening) 16 Post-radiotherapy preventive oral care is focussed around the daily application of high concentration fluoride in the form of toothpastes or gel loaded in medicament trays placed over the teeth, in addition to carefully managed oral hygiene and dietary behaviours. 17,18 Adjunctive products are often recommended to compensate for the reduced lubricating, remineralizing and antimicrobial functions of the altered saliva and include topical forms of calciumphosphate, mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine, and salivary substitutes.…”