Dietary and nutritional needs of patients after therapy for head and neck cancer

The number of cancer survivors in the general population is increasing. Oral and dental status affects patients' quality of life and oral function, which, in turn, may affect nutritional intake and general health. The authors review the importance of oral health and the role of the oral health care provider in supporting dietary intake and providing nutritional guidance.

The authors provide a brief review of oral complications of therapy and nutritional guidelines for patients with head and neck cancer.

Oral adverse effects of head and neck cancer treatment include salivary gland dysfunction, taste change, orofacial pain and mucosal sensitivity, oral infection, tissue defects and necrosis, trismus and fibrosis, progressive dental and periodontal disease, and problems with prosthesis function.

Managing oral adverse effects of treatment may have an impact on dietary and nutritional intake, as well as on quality of life. Dietary modifications may be needed because of the patient's oral function and may include modification of food texture and flavor, as well as the use of dietary supplements.

As part of the patient's health care team, dental care professionals should be aware of the oral adverse effects of cancer therapy, as well as their role in recognizing and treating the resulting oral conditions. In addition, they should provide guidance to patients to support their oral dietary and nutritional intake.