Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Inclusion of the oral cavity, salivary glands, and jaws in the radiation treatment portals for patients who have headand neck cancer is governed by the location of the primary tumor and lymph node metastases. Acute changes produced by radiotherapy are observed in the oral mucosa (erythema, pseudomembrane-covered ulcerations), salivary glands (hyposalivation, changed salivary composition), taste buds (decreased acuity), and skin (erythema, desquamation). Late changes can occur in all tissues.The resulting oral sequelae may cause substantial problems during and after radiation therapy and are major risk factors in determining patient’s quality of life. In this review, we have discussed radiation induced changes in the healthy oral tissues, the resulting consequences and the various possibilities to prevent or treat these concerns. As the management therapies of radiotherapy induced oral consequences are being developed and tested, it will become even more critical for dental professionals, as experts of the oral cavity, to be involved in evaluating these modalities and providing better oral care for cancer patients.
Keywords: Management, Oral consequences, Prevention, Radiotherapy