[Management of oral problems after radiation of the head and neck]

In this article we discuss the various oral problems that afflict the patient undergoing radiation therapy for malignant disease involving the head and neck, the effects of which may be physiologically disastrous unless the patient is forewarned and the problems managed effectively. The oral complications arise as a result of radiation injury to the salivary glands, oral mucosa and alveolar bone mainly. They may vary in duration and intensity, but may be found to a greater or lesser extent in most patients.