Dental Caries Postradiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dental Medicine
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) can cause dental caries.
• This study investigated caries development and risk factors post-RT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure 2-year changes in dental caries after RT in HNC patients.
• To identify risk factors associated with caries increment.

Main Methods:

• 572 adult HNC patients undergoing RT were monitored for 2 years.
• Dental caries (DMFS) and oral health practices were assessed.
• Linear mixed models analyzed the association between DMFS change and risk factors.

Main Results:

• Dental caries (DMFS) increased significantly over 24 months post-RT.
• Compliance with fluoride use, oral hygiene, dental insurance, and education level were associated with smaller DMFS increases.
• RT dose and salivary flow were not significantly associated with DMFS change, except in patients with baseline hypofunction.

Conclusions:

• Dental caries is a common complication following RT for HNC.
• Fluoride use, oral hygiene, dental insurance, and education are key factors in mitigating caries increment.
• Intensified oral care and accessible dental services are recommended to reduce the caries burden.