Oral Hygiene, Dental Status, and Quality of Life in cancer patients with Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaws- A cross sectional study: Part 2.

Abstract

Purpose. Oral health has been considered a critical component of MRONJ. However, there remains a gap in research concerning the role of oral health status and burden of dental disease on quality of life in patients with MRONJ. The objective of this article (part 2) is to evaluate the influence of oral hygiene, dental status and oral health related quality of life in cancer patients affected with MRONJ. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to November 2022 in the Department of Dental and Prosthetic Surgery at Tata Memorial Hospital. A total of 30 cancer patients diagnosed with MRONJ who provided written consent were included in the study. The Oral health impact-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was employed to assess the patient's oral health related QoL and simplified oral health index scores (OHI-S), Decayed, missing, filled teeth score (DMFT), and pertinent dental history that triggered the necrosis were recorded. Results.The mean age of the patients was 62 years. Our findings demonstrated significant correlation between poor oral health status and MRONJ.The mean total OHIP-14 was 20.7 (± 14). The highest mean was found for the psychological discomfort (4.0 ± 2.3). Higher total OHIP-14 score significantly correlated with a history of surgery for primary disease, presence of comorbidities, and bone metastasis. Poor dental status characterized by dental extractions and decayed teeth contributed to more psychological discomfort, whereas patients with DMFT score in the range of 15-28 had significantly more functional limitations. Conclusion. Our findings underscore the importance of increased awareness of MRONJ risks, maintaining optimal oral hygiene, and adopting an interdisciplinary preventive approach for cancer patients receiving ARD’s and antiangiogenics ultimately contributing to an improved oral health related quality of life.