Evolution of oral health in oral cancer patients with and without dental treatment in place: Before, during and after cancer treatment

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the influence of two dental treatment protocols, outpatient non-regulated treatment versus supervised hospital treatment, on the oral health of patients undergoing oral cancer (only radiochemotherapy treatment, not surgical) treatment.Material and MethodsThe study used a quasi-experimental approach justified on ethical grounds. A total of 41 patients were included in the control group (outpatient non-regulated treatment) and 40 patients in the experimental group (in-hospital supervised treatment). The patients were treated only with chemotherapy (not surgical treatment was made) for oral cancer. This decision was taken by the oncology committee of the hospital without being influenced by this study. Data regarding plaque index, daily brushing habits, appearance of new cavities, need for extractions, appearance of candidiasis and use of prosthetics in both groups were collected at three points throughout the study: before starting cancer treatment, during treatment and after treatment. The values obtained using the Student’s t-test and chi-squared were compared.ResultsBased on similar patient backgrounds, throughout cancer treatment the intervention under study resulted in a decrease in plaque index, necessary extractions, and incidence of decay, as well as an increase in daily brushing among other improvements in oral health observed in the experimental group versus the control group.ConclusionsFrom our data, we can confirm that supervised dental treatment performed during oral cancer treatment produced an improvement in the oral health of patients with oral cancer. Key words:Oral cancer, dental treatment, quality of life, oncology, dentistry.

Evaluate the Influence of Two Dental Treatment Protocols, Outpatient Non-Regulated Treatment Versus Supervised Hospital Treatment, on the Oral Health of Patients Undergoing Oral Cancer Treatment

“…In after treatment: plaque index, prosthesis user and daily brushing were statistically significant (p<0.05) between two group. Nunez-Aguilar et al 10 reported this improvement in oral care leads to a real improvement in the oral health of the patient, as was observed in the experimental group, with 36 patients who brushed daily during cancer treatment, compared to 16 patients who brushed in the control group. With all controls, an improved better plaque index is to be expected, and the difference between the experimental and control groups almost double.…”

“…The number of patients with candidiasis increased in the control group (+7 patients) but remained stable in the experimental group (p < 0.001). Nunez-Aguilar et al 10 reported the experimental group, plaque index decreased from 71.32% before treatment to 27.09% (p < 0.001). These patients brushed much well after treatment compared to the periods before and during radiochemotherapy, going from 18 patients who did not brush to a total of 35 patients who brushed in the experimental group, whereas the control group saw a decrease in the number of brushes (p < 0.001).…”

“…In during and after treatment, use of chlorhexidine, use of fluoride agents and IOH and plaque control were statistically significant (p<0.05) between two group. Nunez-Aguilar et al 10 study observed that during radio chemotherapy, this situation changed dramatically. The most popular treatments (almost entirely in the experimental group) were scaling and polishing, scaling and root planning, and instruction in oral hygiene and plaque control.…”

“…The presence of candidiasis during cancer treatment decreased in two patients in the experimental group and increased in four patients in the control group (p < 0.05). Nunez-Aguilar et al 10 reported that the typical dental treatment carried out on these patients involved dental extractions. In this paper, we propose conservative dental therapies that avoid radical treatment that would directly affect the quality of life of patients, in keeping with the guidelines published by Kielbassa et al 9 .…”

Cuidados de enfermería para reducir infecciones por microorganismos oportunistas en pacientes oncológicos

“…La educación va enfocada en primer lugar al personal de la salud, esto en cuanto al déficit de conocimientos generales en el cuidado y mantenimiento de las líneas centrales, en la prevención de infecciones urinarias, monitorización del cumplimiento de los protocolos de enfermería, en técnicas de asepsia y antisepsia, así como la valoración de signos y síntomas de infección, la correcta prescripción de antimicrobianos, antimicóticos y antivirales, teniendo en cuenta la adecuación del tratamiento, la optimización de las dosis, la correcta suspensión del medicamento y prevención de los tratamientos innecesariamente prolongados. 19,25,[29][30][31][32][33] En segundo lugar está la educación del paciente y la familia; en la cual los comportamientos de autocuidado para la prevención de infecciones muestran una correlación significativa con el conocimiento del autocuidado (r = 0.549, p = 0.001) y con el apoyo familiar (r = 0.220, p = 0.008), siendo de importancia que los profesionales eduquen a los pacientes sobre estos aspectos. 34 La prevención de las IO requiere la participación activa de los pacientes, la familia y los cuidadores siendo necesario empoderar a los pacientes para informar al personal de salud sobre sus inquietudes, permitiéndoles tomar acciones de liderazgo.…”