IADR Abstract Archives
Post-Radiotherapy Dental Caries in Head and Neck Cancer Patients – Preliminary Results of an Ongoing Prospective Cohort Study
Objectives: This exploratory analysis of preliminary data from an ongoing observational study aimed to assess potential variation in the incidence of dental caries in post-radiotherapy head and neck cancer (HANC) patients.
Methods: A prospective cohort study entitled: “The effect of dental and salivary gland radiation dose on the occurrence of post-radiotherapy dental disease in patients with head and neck cancer” is ongoing. The study commenced in December 2018 and aims to recruit a total of 215 patients over 2.5 years. Eligible patients with a clinical diagnosis of HANC were assessed and rendered dentally fit prior to radiotherapy (baseline assessment), including provision of high fluoride (5,000ppm) toothpaste. Patients were followed up at 6, 12, and 24-months post-radiotherapy. Oral health data was collected via a combination of clinical oral assessments and validated patient-administered questionnaires.
Results: Data from the first 60 patients recruited to the study is presented (n=60). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and interruption to follow-up appointments, data from 6- and 12-month post-radiotherapy dental assessments were pooled. The mean age of the recruited sample was 60.3 (SD 8.4) years, and 75% (n=45) were male. The most common cancer sites under treatment were the oropharynx (n=17), oral cavity (n=12), and larynx (n=10). Approximately half (46.7%) of HANC patients presented with new carious lesions 6-12 months post-radiotherapy. The mean number of teeth affected by caries was 3.4 (SD 2.6). Patients with: (i) higher mean plaque scores (p=0.001), (ii) more severe xerostomia (p=0.033), and (iii) continual intake of prescribed high-sugar dietary supplements after radiotherapy (p=0.040), were more likely to develop post-radiotherapy dental caries.
Conclusions: Post-radiotherapy HANC patients experience high levels of dental decay. Poor oral hygiene, xerostomia, and the continual intake of prescribed high-sugar dietary supplements after radiotherapy may increase the risk of dental caries in these patients.
Methods: A prospective cohort study entitled: “The effect of dental and salivary gland radiation dose on the occurrence of post-radiotherapy dental disease in patients with head and neck cancer” is ongoing. The study commenced in December 2018 and aims to recruit a total of 215 patients over 2.5 years. Eligible patients with a clinical diagnosis of HANC were assessed and rendered dentally fit prior to radiotherapy (baseline assessment), including provision of high fluoride (5,000ppm) toothpaste. Patients were followed up at 6, 12, and 24-months post-radiotherapy. Oral health data was collected via a combination of clinical oral assessments and validated patient-administered questionnaires.
Results: Data from the first 60 patients recruited to the study is presented (n=60). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and interruption to follow-up appointments, data from 6- and 12-month post-radiotherapy dental assessments were pooled. The mean age of the recruited sample was 60.3 (SD 8.4) years, and 75% (n=45) were male. The most common cancer sites under treatment were the oropharynx (n=17), oral cavity (n=12), and larynx (n=10). Approximately half (46.7%) of HANC patients presented with new carious lesions 6-12 months post-radiotherapy. The mean number of teeth affected by caries was 3.4 (SD 2.6). Patients with: (i) higher mean plaque scores (p=0.001), (ii) more severe xerostomia (p=0.033), and (iii) continual intake of prescribed high-sugar dietary supplements after radiotherapy (p=0.040), were more likely to develop post-radiotherapy dental caries.
Conclusions: Post-radiotherapy HANC patients experience high levels of dental decay. Poor oral hygiene, xerostomia, and the continual intake of prescribed high-sugar dietary supplements after radiotherapy may increase the risk of dental caries in these patients.