Preradiation Therapy Dental Status in Patients with Head-and-neck Cancer: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract Background: Protecting oral health (OH) is vital for cancer patients, particularly before radiotherapy (RT), as it heightens the risk of cavities and osteoradionecrosis. Aim: The present cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the preRT dental status in patients with head-and-neck cancer. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients with head-and-neck cancer diagnosed prior to the start of RT. Through the patients’ medical records, demographic data as well as clinical data were also gathered. Dental caries, periodontal health, and other oral illnesses were recorded using international guidelines. The criterion for OH was established as a binary variable “good” and “poor”. Chi-square test was used with significance set at the 5% level. Results: Among the head-and-neck cancer (HNC) cases, the most frequent diagnosis was tongue cancer (35.8%), followed by cancer of buccal mucosa (28.6%). Periodontitis (78.9%) was the most common oral disease found in cancer patients followed by oral submucous fibrosis found in 38 (38.6%) patients, followed by other premalignant lesions and ulcers. OH status deteriorated as the age increased. Most of the males (60) had poor OH status in comparison to female patients. Illiterate, rural residents and subjects with lower education and unemployed had poor OH. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that OH of HNC is frequently impaired even prior to the start of RT and, integrating pre-RT dental care with the interdisciplinary team is essential to effectively managing the intricate delivery of advocated dental therapy.