A Scoping Review of Pediatric Leukemia and Oral Health: Contemporary Approaches and Oncodental Insights

One of the most common cancers in children is pediatric leukemia, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Survival rates have grown dramatically because of advancements in combination chemotherapy; nonetheless, treatment-related problems, particularly those affecting the oral cavity, pose substantial hurdles. Oral symptoms, including mucositis, xerostomia, and ulcerations, not only cause discomfort and interfere with food intake but can also result in systemic infections that interrupt the course of cancer therapy. The purpose of this review is to synthesize existing knowledge regarding the prevalence, clinical evaluation, and management of oral tissue complications in pediatric leukemia patients. It emphasizes the importance of prevention, early intervention, and interprofessional collaboration, while also exploring how oral health can be integrated into pediatric oncology treatment. To achieve this, a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature was carried out across major electronic databases to identify studies related to oral health issues in pediatric leukemia. Articles were reviewed and selected according to inclusion criteria that focused on clinical symptoms, preventive strategies, therapeutic approaches, and multidisciplinary care models. The findings revealed notable discrepancies in the implementation of standardized oral care practices. Research indicates that preventive dental plans and early management are effective in reducing oral complications and improving adherence to cancer treatment; however, there remain deficiencies in the integration of standardized protocols and in the training provided to caregivers.