The effect of chemo/radiotherapy on oral health and dental development in childhood

Abstract

The present thesis aimed to investigate the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on oral health and dental development in children. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies that met the criteria. The results of the review indicated that chemotherapy and radiotherapy have significant negative effects on oral health and dental development in childhood. Dental developmental disturbances were found in the form of tooth agenesis, morphological disturbances and enamel hypoplasia. Oral mucositis was a common complication of chemotherapy, which can result in pain and ulceration in the mouth, leading to difficulty eating and drinking. Furthermore, cancer patients who receive radiotherapy to the head and neck region are at an increased risk of developing caries and periodontal disease. Dentists and oncologists should work together to develop comprehensive oral care plans to minimize the negative effects of cancer treatments. Early identification and treatment of dental developmental disturbances, as well as preventative measures for caries, should be incorporated into the overall cancer treatment plan to improve the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients.