Dental oncology in children, a literature review

Introduction: Pediatric dental oncology is a medical subspecialty that takes care of oral evidence and dental treatments in children with cancer cells. Infantile cancers are rare conditions, but they significantly affect children’s general and oral health. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation may have different effects on oral health such as mucositis, xerostomia, severe infections and caries. It is therefore important to manage these complications properly for better patient quality of life and the success of treatment of cancer.

Objective: This article aimed to review the prevailing literature on oral problems among childhood cancer patients, their prevention and management approaches as well as the role played by pediatric dentists in the multidisciplinary team of pediatric oncologists.

Method: In conducting this literature review a search was carried out across scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus as well as Google Scholar using the keywords “dental oncology”, “oral complications”, “pediatric cancer” and “oral care in children with cancer”. The focus was on clinical studies, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines published between 2010-2023.

Results: Mucositis, dry mouth, oral infections, dysgeusia, and dental caries are the most common oral complications in children with cancer as revealed by the review. The highest proportion of children appear to have an issue with oral mucositis which is a side effect that comes from chemotherapy (and sometimes radiation therapy) around the head and neck area. Best practice guidelines include proper maintenance of good oral hygiene, use of topical agents for pain relief and wound healing as well as preventive measures like low power lasers. Furthermore, appropriate management and improved life quality among patients can only be achieved through collaboration between oncologists and pediatric dentists.

Conclusion: Pediatric dental oncology is vital in managing cancer cases among young people because it prevents and treats disorders that affect their mouths negatively affecting their overall well-being. To provide holistic care and enhance cancer outcomes, oral care protocols must be implemented alongside inter-professional fields working together.

Corresponding author: Enzo Figueiredo Martineli (e-mail: enzofm.br@gmail.com).