ORAL CARE AND RADIOTHERAPY

Abstract

Radiation causes both acute and chronic tissue changes that have a profound effect on oral health during and after radiation therapy. Unlike chemotherapy, the transient effects of radiation therapy are chronic, irreversible, and progressive due to permanent damage to the proliferative cells of the head and neck. Effective oral care requires appropriate preventive and interceptive therapy, patient and family education, and close observation.The maintenance of oral health during and after radiation therapy requires an investment of time and effort beyond that needed for normal oral care on the part of the patient and the practioner.