DENTAL-CARIES, GINGIVAL HEALTH, AND ORAL HYGIENE OF LONG-TERM SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC MALIGNANT DISEASES

Fifty two children who had had cancer and been treated with chemothera py, and who were long term event free, were examined for caries preval ence, gingival health, and oral hygiene and compared with a control gr oup. A higher dental caries prevalence for the 14-17 year age group wa s noted. The restorative index was significantly lower in the age grou p 10-13. There were no significant differences in gingival index, plaq ue index, or toothbrushing frequency. It is concluded that these patie nts should be considered as at high risk for caries after cancer treat ment. Professional dental follow up should be integrated in the medica l follow up.