Oral Mucosal and Periodontal Alterations in Breast Cancer Patients: Implications for Restorative and Prosthodontic Care
Keywords Chemotherapy, oral mucositis, periodontitis, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry,oral microbiome
AuthorsAbstractOne of the most common modalities of breast cancer treatment is chemotherapy; it is also often linked to oral cavity adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to test the changes in the oral mucosa, periodontal tissues, oral microbiota and bone status induced by chemotherapy and to examine the implications of these changes on the prosthodontics and restorative dental treatment. Between 2021 and 2023, 703 women aged 55-65 years were studied with breast cancer, and 154 subjects were controls. The Oral Mucosal Grading Scale (OMGS) was used to clinically assess oral mucosa. Microbiological examination was done to assess the alteration of oral microflora and radiographic examination to assess alveolar bone resorption and bone density index through orthopantomography. Correlation analysis and Fisher exact test (p < 0.05) were used to perform statistical analysis. The findings revealed that oral mucositis was highly prevalent with moderate to severe inflammation in chemotherapy patients. Major changes in the oral microbiota were observed with a greater number of opportunistic pathogens. Radiographic results showed that bone density was significantly decreased and moderate to severe chronic periodontitis was highly prevalent. It was observed that these changes were highly linked with chemotherapy regimens. Clinically, these changes bear significant significance on prosthodontic and restorative dentistry. Inflammatory responses of the mucosa and xerostomia can impair denture tolerance, and periodontal destruction and bone loss can impair the location of implants and the stability of prostheses. Also, the microbiological modifications can predispose to the biofilm formation and adversely impact the durability of restorative materials.
Introduction:The occurrence and severity of complications have been widely investigated by Russian and international researchers, who categorize these influencing factors into systemic and local determinants [1,2]. Systemic factors include the type of chemotherapy agents immunosuppression, lifestyle-related habits such as chronic alcohol consumption and tobacco use, as well as underlying systemic conditions including diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, cardiovascular disorders, and renal diseases [2,3]. Among chemotherapeutic agents, particular attention has been given to 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, and doxorubicin due to their strong association with oral tissue complications [4,5]. Among chemotherapeutic agents, particular attention has been given to 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, and doxorubicin due to their strong association with oral tissue complications [6]. However, its cytotoxic mechanism also contributes to significant adverse effects in the oral mucosa, making it a key focus in studies investigating chemotherapy-induced oral complications.The study of the pathogenesis of the action of 5-fluoruracil in mice revealed that the drug causes the atrophy of the oral mucosa, which is characterized by the slowdown of proliferation, the increase of death of cells, the detachment of inflammatory factors and the loss of protective properties of the oral mucosa [1]. Genetic •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org - Published by Riset Publishing Services LLC. .
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