Clinical manifestations of head and neck irradiation

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, salivary gland tumors, and Hodgkin's disease may include radiation therapy to the head and neck region. This therapy has treatment-related sequelae to the oral cavity and can contribute to increased rates of dental caries in these patients. To prevent radiation-induced caries, patients are instructed to use a high-potency fluoride application in addition to their standard dentifrice during radiation therapy and the postradiation phases of their treatment. Traditionally, patients are prescribed a 5,000-ppm fluoride (F) gel that is applied using mouthguards. However, due to oral postoperative conditions, many patients are not complaint with this treatment. In many cases, the availability of a fluoride product that is easier to use could result in successful patient compliance.