Dental management of the childhood cancer patient

Abstract

Introduction: More than 40,000 children undergo cancer treatment each year. In the long term, children and adolescents are at risk of developing oral complications over time, especially in relation to teeth. Objective: To analyze the literature about dental management of patients with childhood cancer, including oral examination before treatment, preventive strategies, dental treatments and oral complications related to cancer therapy. Methodology: The PubMed database was used; review and research articles were identified where oral and dental complications in pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer were mentioned. The terms "cancer", "childhood", "dental", "complications" were used. Results: The oral examination before a treatment indicates that thanks to the help of an examination prior to starting any treatment, the severity of oral complications can be reduced. Preventive strategies indicate that the pediatric dentist should be involved with the patient from the diagnosis, developing oral care plans that are individualized for each patient. Dental treatments must be performed after evaluating the child's tolerance to avoid any complications. Oral complications related to cancer therapy such as mucositis, xerostomia, and infections must be anticipated during cancer treatment. Conclusion:As pediatric dentists we need to participate at the beginning of treatment at the time of cancer diagnosis, developing prevention plans and oral care related to the patient's needs. Support from the oncology team is needed to provide optimal treatments.