Impact of radiotherapy to the head and neck region on the oral condition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i10.8753Keywords:
Radiotherapy; Oral Health; Head and Neck Neoplasm.Abstract
Investigations of the oral function of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck region are relevant for the overall quality of life. Considering the possible impact of the side-effects on nutrition, the recovery of these patients might be impaired. This study aimed at investigating the oral condition of patients submitted to RT to the head and neck region. A single-center, cross-sectional mixed analysis assessing the oral conditions of patients before RT (group 1) and after 12-months of RT (group 2) was performed. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria consideration, fifty (n=25) patients were included in this study. A calibrated examiner conducted the oral examination, the following variables were assessed: a) DMF index: decayed, missing and filled teeth; b) xerostomia and dysgeusia, subjective assessment of salivary function and taste; c) simplified oral hygiene index – OHI-S, with plaque disclosing solution; d) unstimulated sialometry, assessment of salivary function. Statistical analysis compared the groups considering a significance level of 5%. The group evaluated after 12 months of RT showed high rate of dry mouth (92%) and dysgeusia complaint (72%) while no patient reported in group 1. Statistically significant difference was observed in the comparison of group 1 and 2 regarding DMF index (> 64%), OHI-S index (>38%), and unstimulated sialometry (<70%). Patients submitted to RT to the head and neck region for the treatment of cancer experience oral complications even at 12 months after the last session of RT.
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Copyright (c) 2020 Yuri Barbosa Alves; Paula Cristina Henriques da Silva; Gabriel Garcia de Carvalho; José Manuel Peixoto Caldas; Heloisa Helena Pinho Veloso
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