title: Oral complications during treatment of malignant diseases in childhood: effects of tooth brushing.
abstract: During anticancer treatment, oral lesions considerably aggravate the child's clinical condition and increase the risk of infection. This prospective study evaluated the incidence, nature and chronology of oral complications arising during the first 6 weeks of chemotherapy. 131 children were included in this study, and their oral and dental health evaluated on enrolment. Each child was observed once a week, for 6 weeks. Fifty-two per cent (68/131) of the children presented with at least one oral lesion. Two oral healthcare regimens (with or without tooth brushing) were evaluated. Tooth brushing significantly reduced the number of children affected. Standardised multicentre studies should permit the definition of oral care regimens which would eliminate pain and reduce the risk of infection in children hospitalised for cancer.
authors.affiliation: Equipe de Biologie Buccale (UPRES-EA 1256), Unité Fonctionnelle de Pédodontie, UFR d'Odontologie, Rennes, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bonnaure-Mallet
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bunetel
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tricot-Doleux
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guérin
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bergeron
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: LeGall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009909:Oral Health; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014099:Toothbrushing
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents