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The oral health needs of children after treatment for a solid tumour or lymphoma
Author(s) -
HUTTON ALISON,
BRADWELL MOIRA,
ENGLISH MARTIN,
CHAPPLE IAIN
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-263x.2009.00999.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dentition , quality of life (healthcare) , gingivitis , pediatrics , lymphoma , chemotherapy , population , oral health , dentistry , surgery , environmental health , nursing
Background. With increasing survival rates for childhood cancer, late effects are of growing importance. Oral health is central to general health, level of nutrition, quality of life, and is significant in the holistic care of children during cancer therapy. Hypothesis. The oral health needs of children treated for solid tumours/lymphoma will be greater than the general population, groups will differ according to tumour and treatment. Design. One hundred and twenty patients, 0–17 years, under follow‐up from 01/07/06 to 07/02/07 were investigated for caries, opacities, microdontia, and gingivitis. Analysis was performed with stratification according to tumour and treatment. Comparisons made with the UK 2003 Child Dental Health Survey. Results. The neuroblastoma group and high‐dose chemotherapy with stem‐cell rescue (HDCSCR) therapy group had increased caries of the primary teeth. Chi‐squared analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship ( P < 0.03) between the age at receipt of chemotherapy (<3.5 years) and the presence of microdont teeth. Conclusion. Oral health care is important for all patients particularly those with a neuroblastoma, or who received HDCSCR. Patients should be advised about the possibility of microdontia in the permanent dentition following chemotherapy under 3.5 years.