Bone marrow transplants. Current applications & implications for oral health

The application of bone marrow transplant (BMT) therapy to address a variety of pathologies has increased dramatically in the last decade. The list of diseases treated by this complex technology is quite lengthy. Side effects of BMT include a variety of documented untoward effects on oral health, many of which are age-dependent. With the increasing number of people, particularly children, receiving bone marrow transplants, it is entirely possible that these recipients may appear as "routine, healthy" patients in a general practice or other oral health care setting. They will present significant, unusual findings related to their history of BMT treatment. The purpose of this paper is to review this treatment modality, its current applications, and the short- and long-term effects that the oral health care practitioner must identify, understand and address.