The Impact of Dental Care in Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Abstract

Objective/Hypothesis The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the impact of dental care on head and neck (H&N) cancer survival. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL to find all relevant studies from the date of inception to March 2020. Systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, and meta‐analysis was performed using the random effects logistic regression model. Primary outcomes of interest were 5‐year survival and hazard ratios comparing survival between dental care subgroups. Results H&N cancer survival rates strongly correlate with dental care adherence. Patients with good dental care had significantly better survival than patients with poor dental care (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55–0.83), with similar improved survival among patients with moderate versus poor dental care (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.57–0.80). In addition, patients with good dental care had significantly decreased mortality than those with moderate dental care (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69–0.96), indicating an exposure‐response gradient. Conclusions For patients with H&N cancer, survival is significantly higher in those who receive recommended dental care compared with those who do not. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 132:45–52, 2022

Prosthetic Status and Needs among Head and Neck Cancer Irradiated Patients Suffering from Xerostomia in Delhi, India

“…Thus, it is premised that prosthetic status and needs of head and neck cancer irradiated subjects may differ from those of individuals not under radiotherapy as well as healthy individuals. [12][13][14] The present study showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients using prosthesis among those who had undergone radiotherapy and those who were not given radiotherapy. The proportion of people using prosthesis was lower in the irradiated patients as compared to radiated ones.…”

Oral Cancer Prevalence, Mortality, and Costs in Medicaid and Commercial Insurance Claims Data

“…Regular dental visits provide frequent opportunities for dentists to detect OC/OPC at earlier stages. (33,34,46,47) Likely as a result, routine dental care is associated with improved survival from oral cancer, (48,49) and a greater likelihood of incident oral cancer is associated with infrequent dental care.0 (50,51) In our sample, OC/OPC prevalence and incidence both increased with age, with the highest rates in the 60-64 age group in both the Medicaid and commercial insurance groups. That finding is consistent with those of Mahal and colleagues, who noted a unimodal peak in incidence between the ages of 60 to 64.…”

“…Regular dental visits provide frequent opportunities for dentists to detect OC/OPC at earlier stages. (33, 34, 46, 47) Likely as a result, routine dental care is associated with improved survival from oral cancer, (48, 49) and a greater likelihood of incident oral cancer is associated with infrequent dental care.0 (50, 51)…”

Management of Oral Hygiene in Head-Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Oncological Surgery and Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review

“…The prevention, hygiene, and maintenance program must be individualized and flexible in order to achieve a continuous and progressive educational process. Professional and home oral hygiene with a related instruction prior to maxillofacial surgery contributes to the oral health and well-being of the patient, as well as significantly reducing pneumonia and mortality [ 36 , 37 ].…”