2023-09-12 20:20:00
Title: Oral Care Guidelines Crucial for Childhood Cancer Survivors, Says Dentist and PhD Student
Subtitle: Study Reveals Importance of Preventive Screening and Better Follow-up Care for Long-Term Oral Health
Amsterdam, September 19, 2022 – A recent study conducted by dentist and PhD student Juliette Stolze highlights the critical role of good oral care guidelines for childhood cancer survivors. Stolze emphasizes the significance of preventive information, education, and advice for both children and parents in maintaining optimal oral hygiene, especially during and after cancer treatment.
According to Stolze, while oral hygiene cannot completely prevent the development of painful oral sores called mucositis, it can significantly reduce their severity and duration. Moreover, emphasizing good oral hygiene practices also helps lower the risk of infections and cavities (caries).
One key aspect highlighted by Stolze is the importance of preventive screening. She stresses that every child should undergo a dental examination before cancer treatment commences. This initial screening ensures that the teeth are cleaned and any necessary treatment is provided before the start of oncological treatment. Maintaining a clean and healthy mouth during chemotherapy is crucial to prevent infections resulting from the weakened immune system and damaged oral mucosa. Preventive screening also aims to identify and address potential long-term problems related to childhood cancer treatment, such as radiation caries.
Stolze’s research also sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors associated with oral health complications following childhood cancer treatment. Her study, involving 249 childhood cancer survivors, revealed that dry mouth is a common issue, particularly among survivors who received radiation to the head and neck region. Dry mouth can have adverse consequences for oral health, including an increased risk of cavities and fungal infections. Additionally, dental abnormalities, such as missing teeth or underdeveloped tooth roots, were found in one-third of survivors. Risk factors for these complications include a younger age at diagnosis and specific types of chemotherapy.
Despite these challenges, Stolze highlights that overall oral health and quality of life among childhood cancer survivors are relatively good. However, she urges survivors, as well as oral care professionals, pediatric oncologists, and nurses, to be aware of the potential complications and stresses the importance of regular dental visits as part of comprehensive follow-up care.
Stolze’s groundbreaking research has prompted ongoing efforts at the Máxima Medical Center, led by Nurse Ida Ophorst, to implement the new oral care guideline. With increased awareness and attention to oral health during and after childhood cancer treatment, the hope is to prevent or identify oral problems at an early stage, ultimately improving long-term outcomes for survivors.
Juliette Stolze’s doctoral thesis, “Oral Health in Cancer Survivors: Especially in Those Treated During Childhood,” will be presented on September 19 at 4:00 PM in the Agnietenkapel in Amsterdam. The thesis was supervised by Dr. Henk Brand, with co-supervisors Dr. Dorine Bresters and Dr. Judith Raber-Durlacher.
For more information about the study, please visit: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14143379
Reference:
Stolze J, Teepen JC, Raber-Durlacher JE, Loonen JJ, Kok JL, Tissing WJE, et al (2022). Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hyposalivation and Xerostomia in Childhood Cancer Survivors Following Different Treatment Modalities—A Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Late Effects 2 Clinical Study (DCCSS LATER 2). Cancers 14, 3379. https:// doi.org/10.3390/cancers14143379]
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