Oral health care for the cancer patient

Abstract

Orofacial complications are common after radiotherapy to the head and neck, and after chemo-therapy for malignant disease. Mucositis is the most frequent and often most distressing complication, but adverse reactions can affect all other orofacial tissues. This paper discusses the aetiopathogenesis and current means available for preventing, ameliorating and treating these complications, as well as indicating research directions.