Dental caries after radiotherapy of the oral regions

Five cases of dental caries after radiation therapy of the oral regions for treatment of carcinomas are presented. The differences in clinical appearance and behavior between radiation caries and ordinary smooth-surface dental caries are described. The role of salivary gland irradiation and the resultant xerostomia in the development of these lesions is discussed. Some explanations are offered as to how these lesions develop in the light of current knowledge concerning plaque and the development of dental caries. Several measures that may be taken to reduce the incidence and severity of these lesions are suggested.