Current approaches to comprehensive oral care after cancer therapy

Cancer therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical interventions, are essential components of modern oncology, but are frequently associated with long-term, multifactorial oral complications that can impair patients' oral function and quality of life (QoL). This narrative review integrates current evidence, clinical guidelines and expert consensus to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary approaches to oral management following cancer treatment.The aim of this review was to synthesize and critically evaluate current dental strategies for the comprehensive care of individuals after oncologic therapy, identify the most common oral complications, including oral mucositis (OM), xerostomia, dysgeusia, radiation-induced caries, oral candidiasis, osteoradionecrosis (ORN), and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), and highlight the areas requiring further research.A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Wiley Online Library, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect from March to October 2025, focusing on clinical trials, reviews and international guidelines. Preventive measures, including remineralization protocols, rigorous oral hygiene practices and salivary stimulants, were emphasized as the crucial components of supportive care. The emerging therapeutic modalities, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and novel pharmacological agents, were critically assessed with regard to their clinical effectiveness.Overall, the evidence emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary, patient-centered approach involving oncologists, dental specialists and allied healthcare professionals to minimize morbidity and optimize clinical outcomes. Multidisciplinary dental care remains indispensable for preventing and managing oral complications, and improving the long-term QoL of cancer survivors.