After Effects of Radiation on the Caries Status of Head and Neck Cancer Patients − A Six-Month Clinical Trial

Background: Head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) are at an increased risk of dental caries due to radiation-induced damage to salivary glands. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three interventions—virgin coconut oil (VCO), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous cal...

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Main Authors: Upasana Reddy, Mithra N. Hegde, Aditya Shetty, Mallikarjuna Rao Koduru, Neevan Dsouza
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2024-12-01
Series:Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences
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Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_478_24
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Summary:Background: Head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) are at an increased risk of dental caries due to radiation-induced damage to salivary glands. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three interventions—virgin coconut oil (VCO), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate tooth mousse (TM), and amine fluoride mouthwash (MW)—in preventing caries among head and neck cancer patients’ post-radiation therapy. Methods: A total of 102 head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT were enrolled. The participants were randomized to use one of three interventions: VCO, TM, or MW. Caries progression was assessed using the decayed-missing-filled-teeth (DMFT) index at baseline and after 6 months of RT. Differences in DMFT scores between the groups were analysed using statistical tests. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, significant differences in DMFT scores were observed between the VCO and MW groups (P = 0.012) and between the MW and TM groups (P = 0.001). The TM group showed a significant reduction in caries progression compared to both the VCO and MW groups (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) tooth mousse was found to be the most effective in preventing new caries and slowing the progression of existing carious lesions in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
ISSN:0976-4879
0975-7406