Managing complications of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients: Part II. Management of radiation-induced caries.
Head and neck cancer is becoming a more recognizable pathology to the general population and dentists. The modes of treatment include surgery and/or radiation therapy. Where possible, pretreatment dental assessment shall be provided for these patients before they undergo radiation therapy. There are occasions, however, whereby head and neck cancer patients are not prepared optimally for radiation therapy. Because of this, they succumb to complicated oral complications after radiation therapy. The management of xerostomia has been reviewed in Part I of this series. In this article, the management of dental caries, a sequalae of xerostomia following radiation therapy is reviewed.
Chai
Wen Lin
WL
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ngeow
Wei Cheong
WC
Ramli
Roszalina
R
Rahman
Roslan Abdul
RA
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D012464:Saliva, Artificial; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides