ABSTRACT
Objective
This scoping review aimed to map the literature on oral hygiene protocols and fluoride
use in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Study design
An ample search was performed in ten databases, including part of the “gray literature”.
Clinical trials and observational studies that used radiotherapy in the head and neck
region and evaluated the occurrence of radiation-related caries were included.
Results
twenty-one studies were included in the review. The studies generally presented different
methods of oral care and fluoride use. Several studies have shown good results for
oral care instructions in preventing radiation-related caries. The main strategies
found in the articles were oral hygiene instructions, professional teeth cleaning,
recommendation for the use of fluoride toothpaste, and monthly follow-up. Fluoride
gel was the most commonly used fluoride gel product (72%). Its main recommendation
for use was at least 5 min at night daily. Most of these studies (60%) used custom-made
trays. Other fluorides methods applied were fluoride varnish, fluoride month rinses,
and high-fluoride containing toothpaste.
Conclusion
Oral care, such as hygiene instructions with regular dental follow-up and daily fluoride,
seem to be good strategies for preventing radiation-related caries. Periodically monitoring
these patients is one of the most important strategies.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 13,
2023
Received in revised form:
February 13,
2023
Received:
November 7,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
