Long-term effect of anticancer therapy on dentition of Italian children in remission from malignant disease: A cross-sectional study

Authors

  • R Guagnano Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School – Section of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Turin, Turin
  • F Romano Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School, Section of Periodontology, University of Turin, Turin
  • M Berger Paediatric Onco-Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, Turin
  • F Fagioli Paediatric Onco-Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, Turin
  • V Vallone Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School – Section of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Turin, Turin
  • L Bello Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School – Section of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Turin, Turin
  • MC Vitale Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Dentistry, Unit of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Pavia, Pavia
  • P Defabianis Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School – Section of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Turin, Turin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.02.11

Keywords:

Anomalies, Adverse effects, Caries, dental, Malignancies

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the effects of anticancer therapy on dental development and caries formation in Italian childhood cancer survivors compared to healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 52 children treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy when younger than 10 years and in remission from at least 2 years, and 52 healthy age- and gender-matched children were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants were examined for dental caries and enamel defects according to the decayed-missing-filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index and the Aine rating scale. Panoramic radiographs were taken to estimate dental age and to assess dental abnormalities using the Höltta Defect Index. CONCLUSION: These children are at high risk for tooth developmental abnormalities and poor dental health and should be closely monitored by a specialist dentist.