Integrating Supragingival Scaling and Biofilm Management Into Breast Cancer Patients' Care

The study was designed as a quasi-experimental clinical trial to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on periodontal conditions, haematology and salivary flow in patients with breast cancer and gingivitis, after supragingival scaling.

They were divided into patients with breast cancer and gingivitis (BC/G = 20); and patients without cancer with gingivitis (G = 20). Clinical parameters [Plaque Index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), Probing Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)], haematological parameters (complete blood count) and salivary flow were evaluated at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 weeks.

After supragingival scaling, both groups exhibited a reduction in BOP and PI. However, the group without cancer (G) showed a significantly (p < 0.05) greater reduction at weeks 12 and 24 compared to the group with cancer (BC/G). In the haematological parameters, the G group showed higher haemoglobin and red blood cell levels than the BC/G group at 6, 12 and 24 weeks (p < 0.05). The salivary flow rate was decreased at 6, 12 and 24 weeks in cancer patients (< 0.3 mL/min); however, they did not show hyposalivation (< 0.1 mL/min).

Chemotherapy negatively impacts periodontal conditions, making it difficult to control inflammation, affects haematological parameters and reduces salivary flow rate, although without causing hyposalivation. This highlights the need for the application of supragingival scaling with strict biofilm control in breast cancer patients.