Chemotherapy administered during childhood may induce dental abnormalities,
such as acquired amelogenesis imperfecta, microdontia, hypodontia and alte
red root morphology. The magnitude of the defect varies according to the cy
totoxic agents, the duration of their use and the stage of tooth developmen
t at the time of chemotherapy. Patients who received high-dose chemotherapy
before the age of 5 are particularly concerned. The dental supervision of
these children is based upon three orthopantomograms: the first one has to
be performed before starting chemotherapy and will be used as a reference;
the second is done soon after the drug therapy in order to evaluate the fir
st consequences; the third is performed after the eruption of all permanent
teeth (age 12-13 in average) in order to determine the dental abnormalitie
s. In case of hypodontia, orthodontic treatment must be considered, but It
is necessary to take into account the fact that it may increase the risk of
root resorption. Preventive dental care is important for these children. I
t involves meticulous oral hygiene and frequent dental visits to assess and
maintain dental health. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsev
ier SAS.