THE ORAL HEALTH STATUS AND PREVENTIVE MEASUREMENTS FOR CANCER PATIENTS.

Oncology patients frequently face a variety of oral side effects as a result of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. One common issue is periodontitis. Additionally, patients with COVID-19 have reported a range of oral symptoms, including necrotizing periodontal disease. The objective of our study is to evaluate the oral health status of cancer patients during COVID-19 infection.

Material and methods: The research involved 213 Georgian citizens' aged 18 to 65, divided into four groups: Group I consisted of 120 healthy individuals (without cancer); Group II included 60 healthy individuals who had contracted COVID-19; Group III comprised 40 cancer patients; and Group IV included 85 cancer patients who also had COVID-19. We aimed to analyze the correlation between oral health characteristics and both COVID-19 status and cancer diagnosis, as well as the types of cancer treatments received.

Results: The study showed an increased signs in oral index scores in cancer and covid groups compared to healthy group. Bleeding index: in group I - 0.20+0.41, in group II - 0.85+1.13, in group III - 0.48+0.85 and in group IV 0.95+1.20 p=0.079). Loss of gingival attachment: 0-3 mm: in group I - 2 (10%), in group II - 33 (55%), in group III - 7 (14.58%), in group IV - 1 (12.94%) (p<0.0001); 4-5 mm: in group I- 0, in group II - 20 (33.3%), in group III - 13 (27.08%), in group IV - 25 (29.41%) (p=0.2489; 6-8 mm: in group I - 0, in group II - 6 (7.06%), in group III - 1 (2.08%) ), in IV group - 6 (7.06%) (p=0.2200). We diagnosed the 40 patients with periodontitis. Cancer and Cancer+Covid group show a significant positive correlation with periodontitis, (r=0.197, p=0.004; and r=0.144, p=0.036 respectively).

Conclusions: • Cancer patients exhibit a high incidence of periodontitis, which is exacerbated by COVID-19 transmission. However, receiving a booster vaccine dose can significantly reduce the risk of tooth loss. • The oral health status of cancer patients must be prioritized, necessitating the development of an appropriate protocol during and after cancer treatment. Special attention should be given to those patients who have also contracted COVID-19. • To prevent periodontitis and tooth loss during cancer treatment, it is crucial for patients, particularly those infected with COVID-19, to maintain regular dental follow-ups.