Toxicity with radiotherapy for oral cancers and its management: a practical approach

Radiotherapy-induced damage in the oral mucosa is the result of the deleterious effects of radiation, not only on the oral mucosa itself but also on the skin, adjacent salivary glands, bone, dentition, and masticatory apparatus. From basic skin care to dental and oral health maintenance, several ointments and lotions, oral and parenteral medications, biological response modifiers, cytoprotective drugs, newer radiation techniques and surgery have been introduced to combat and more importantly to prevent the development of these complications. Radiotherapy-induced oral complications involve complex and dynamic pathobiological processes. This in the immediate- and long-term course lowers the quality of life and predisposes patients to serious clinical disorders. Here, we focus on these oral complications of radiotherapy, highlight preventive and therapeutic developments, and review the current treatment options available for these disorders.