IADR Abstract Archives
Prevention of Radiation Caries in Adult Patients of Head and Neck Cancer - Effectiveness Check of Topical Fluoride: a Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis
Objectives: Topical fluoride is used for prevention of dental caries. However, its effectiveness and more specifically its formulation and frequency of application in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy are still debatable. The aim of this systematic review was to pool the evidence of effectiveness of various topical fluorides in preventing radiation caries or change in bacterial growth in adult patients of head and neck cancer.
Methods: Three databases (PubMed and Google Scholar and Cochrane) were searched for randomized controlled or uncontrolled trials or quasi randomised trials published till February, 2021. Two independent reviewers screened 346 abstracts finally 13 articles were included in the current systematic review. Primary outcome evaluated was the prevention of radiation caries or change in bacterial growth in saliva. Meta-analysis was performed for the sub groups formed on the basis of fluoride formulations and adjuncts used with it.
Results: Studies included were highly heterogeneous. Majority of studies found different fluoride formulations to be effective in controlling radiation caries to a variable extent up to 70% depending upon the intervention, patient compliance, rate of attrition and follow up period. Sodium fluoride was the most commonly used caries preventive agent. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between sodium fluoride formulations and other fluoride agents. Re-mineralising agent when used as an adjunct to fluoride treatment had no significant effect on caries prevention.
Conclusions: Fluoride prevents radiation caries. However, to delineate its exact formulation, dosage or frequency, there is need for more well conducted randomised controlled trials.
Methods: Three databases (PubMed and Google Scholar and Cochrane) were searched for randomized controlled or uncontrolled trials or quasi randomised trials published till February, 2021. Two independent reviewers screened 346 abstracts finally 13 articles were included in the current systematic review. Primary outcome evaluated was the prevention of radiation caries or change in bacterial growth in saliva. Meta-analysis was performed for the sub groups formed on the basis of fluoride formulations and adjuncts used with it.
Results: Studies included were highly heterogeneous. Majority of studies found different fluoride formulations to be effective in controlling radiation caries to a variable extent up to 70% depending upon the intervention, patient compliance, rate of attrition and follow up period. Sodium fluoride was the most commonly used caries preventive agent. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between sodium fluoride formulations and other fluoride agents. Re-mineralising agent when used as an adjunct to fluoride treatment had no significant effect on caries prevention.
Conclusions: Fluoride prevents radiation caries. However, to delineate its exact formulation, dosage or frequency, there is need for more well conducted randomised controlled trials.