18. Dental management

From Volume 39, Issue 6, July 2012 | Pages 442-443

Authors

Vinod Josh

BDS, DRD RCS, FDS RCPS(Glasg), FDS RCSE

Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield

Articles by Vinod Josh

Crispian Scully

CBE, DSc, DChD, DMed (HC), Dhc(multi), MD, PhD, PhD (HC), FMedSci, MDS, MRCS, BSc, FDS RCS, FDS RCPS, FFD RCSI, FDS RCSEd, FRCPath, FHEA

Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK

Articles by Crispian Scully

Article

Possible complications following treatment of oral cancer by surgery, radiotherapy (RT), or chemotherapy have been outlined in previous articles of this series. Several complications, like liability to osteoradionecrosis (ORN), hyposalivation, limited mouth opening, problems of chewing, swallowing, speech and appearance may significantly influence dental management strategy.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline ‘Improving Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer’ recognizes that optimal management of these patients depends on multidisciplinary teams providing treatment, rehabilitation and support. Timely oral health care before, during and after cancer therapy can reduce complications and assist with improving the patient's quality of life. Useful guidance can also be found in Oral Health In Cancer Therapy; A Guide For Health Care Professionals, third edition, 2010, Texas Cancer Center. Editors, Rankin KV, Jones DL, available online at http://www.doep.org/images/OHCT_III_FINAL.pdf

The most important risk factors for oral complications of cancer therapy are pre-existent oral or dental disease and poor care after cancer therapy.

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