Effect of radiation exposure on oral mucosal cells: An in vitro study

Radiation generates toxic reactions and DNA damage in oral mucosal cells which depends on the exposure dose during laboratory tests. The survival rate of cells dropped from 98.6% in non-irradiated controls to 40.8% at 8 Gy while both structural cell alterations and DNA damage manifestations became evident. The extent of DNA damage in cells increased as radiation doses became higher according to findings from the Comet assay. Radiation produces marked impact on the defense capacity of oral tissues. Protective measures must be implemented as an essential way to prevent damage to oral mucosa tissues exposed to radiation.