F. Dens et al., DENTAL-CARIES, GINGIVAL HEALTH, AND ORAL HYGIENE OF LONG-TERM SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC MALIGNANT DISEASES, Archives of Disease in Childhood, 72(2), 1995, pp. 129-132
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.