Prevention and treatment of radiation induced dental caries in children with cancer - Malavika Baijal
Link to Paper
Abstract
The effects of radiotherapy in children diagnosed with cancer can lead to multiple complications, one of the most notable being the increased susceptibility to dental caries. This research paper delves into the complexities of "Radiation induced dental caries in children with cancer" and showcases how digital technology can play an integral role in both the prevention and treatment of this condition.
The study begins by emphasizing the indispensable role radiation therapy plays in pediatric oncology, specifically in targeting and eliminating cancerous cells. While the therapy is instrumental in improving survival rates, it comes with its own set of challenges. Among the myriad complications, dental caries stands out as a significant long-term effect. Dental caries, commonly recognized as tooth decay, arises from an imbalance between tooth demineralization and remineralization, influenced by factors such as bacteria, dietary sugars, and saliva flow. The study underscores the fact that children who undergo radiation treatment, especially in the head and neck region, are at a heightened risk as the therapy can inadvertently compromise the salivary gland function, leading to decreased saliva flow or xerostomia. Reduced saliva flow can disrupt the mouth's natural pH balance, making it a conducive environment for bacteria that cause dental caries.
Two articles form the core of the research's data pool. The first article conducted a cross-sectional study on children, some of whom had undergone cancer treatment, and found a higher DMF (Decayed, Missing, Filled) index in cancer patients, emphasizing the need for professional dental care for this demographic. In particular, the study pinpoints the importance of dental care for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, as socioeconomic status also plays a role in dental health. The second article, pivoting from the direct effects of cancer treatment, examines dental care utilization among long-term survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer. It draws attention to the alarming trend of decreased dental visits among AYA cancer survivors and the challenges they face in accessing necessary dental care, with the lack of dental insurance emerging as a predominant barrier. This article suggests a pressing need for interventions to bridge this accessibility gap.
The research further contrasts the two articles, observing that while the first zeroes in on the prevalence of dental caries in childhood cancer survivors, the second adopts a broader lens, analyzing overall dental care utilization and its associated barriers. Despite the differential focus, both articles converge on the consensus that professional dental care, especially tailored to address the unique challenges faced by cancer survivors, is of paramount importance.
Innovations in the realm of digital dentistry can pave the way for better dental care for childhood cancer survivors. The paper highlights some groundbreaking tools like Diagnodent, which uses laser fluorescence to detect hidden cavities, intraoral cameras that provide detailed images of dental structures, and CAD/CAM technology that facilitates the creation of precise dental prosthetics. These technologies, by enabling early detection and accurate treatment, hold the potential to revolutionize dental care for children who have undergone radiotherapy.
To conclude, the research underscores the criticality of understanding and effectively addressing dental caries in pediatric cancer patients. There's an explicit call to action for healthcare providers to assimilate digital advancements in their practices, ensuring that childhood cancer survivors are not further burdened by preventable dental complications. The paper advocates for continued research, aiming to continually refine and optimize treatment strategies to improve the oral health and holistic well-being of this vulnerable demographic.
