Abstract

Chemotherapy used in the treatment of cancer patients is frequently associated with the development of oral complications, with oral mucositis being one of the most common and debilitating adverse reactions. It can significantly affect patients’ quality of life and adherence to cancer treatment.

Assessing oral health status and implementing appropriate preventive measures before and during cancer treatment are essential components of the multidisciplinary management of cancer patients.

This paper aims to present the main oral and dental complications associated with chemotherapy, with an emphasis on oral mucosal lesions, as well as the importance of a dental evaluation before the initiation of cancer treatment and the maintenance of proper oral hygiene throughout therapy.

The presentation will discuss the results of a six-month longitudinal study that assessed the incidence of oral mucositis during chemotherapy in adult patients diagnosed with solid tumors, excluding those located in the head and neck region.

The study included 64 patients, whose oral and dental status and level of oral hygiene were assessed, as well as the occurrence of lesions on the oral mucosa during treatment. The results showed a cumulative incidence of grade ≥2 oral mucositis of 43.75%.

Data analysis demonstrated that adherence to the oral hygiene protocol is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing oral mucosal ulcers.

The results underscore the importance of integrating dental evaluation and preventive measures into the management of cancer patients, contributing to the reduction of oral complications and the improvement of their quality of life.