European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

The Dental Treatment Needs and Oral Side Effects of Patients Undergoing Outpatient Cancer Chemotherapy

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Cover Date

September 2005

Print ISSN

0965-7452

Electronic ISSN

2396-8893

Vol

13

Issue

3

Abstract

An increasing number of patients receive cancer chemotherapy on an out-patient basis. Dentists therefore need to be aware of the consequences of cancer chemotherapy. Two hundred and eighteen patients attending a specialist oncology centre were examined and the oral side effects recorded. The patients also
completed a structured interview to examine the advice they had been given by health care professionals prior to starting chemotherapy. Clinical examination revealed a significant dental treatment need with 16% of patients requiring restorations and 66% requiring professional periodontal care. The commonest oral side effects were altered taste sensation (52%), xerostomia (35%) and mucositis (22%). All these side effects are unpleasant and may have a significant effect on a patient’s quality of life.
KEY WORDS: Chemotherapy; Oral examination; Oral symptoms