Prevention and treatment of undesirable symptoms caused by irradiation in the oral cavity

Abstract

Patients during radiotherapy for head and neck tumours show side effects in the oral cavity that might influence further treatment, or even cause temporary or total break in the irradiation. For this reason, prevention and treatment are essential to avoid or reduce the possibility of such complications. Sanitation of the oral cavity by a dentist is indispensable, and afterwards, regular screening of the teeth and the mucous membrane condition. Proper hygiene plays a particularly important role, leading to alleviation of symptoms and reduction in the discomfort, which in conesquence, contributes to the increase in the living comfort of patients undergoing radiotherapy.