Oral complications and dental management of childhood cancer: how does the dentist support integrated care?

Abstract

Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality. Cancer treatment carries significant orofacial morbidity. ##Objective The reader should understand the acute and long-term implications of cancer treatment on oral health. ##Background Cancer treatment can cause acute and long-term oral complications. Many of these complications are irreversible and dental effects can be seen into the permanent dentition. The severity of dental complications is dependent on the child’s age and stage of dental development at the time of cancer treatment, as well as the type and duration of cancer treatment. ##Conclusion Dental care for children with cancer is important. All dentists must have an awareness of the oral complications of oncology treatment and should be ready to provide appropriate care, including enhanced preventive care, for these patients.