Dental and Craniofacial Effects on Childhood Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The availability and adoption of modern therapeutic protocols for childhood cancer have continuously reduced the mortality rate of childhood malignancies in most countries over the past decades. Children being treated for cancer are actively growing, creating unique problems not only in the short-term but also in the long-term development of both the orofacial hard and soft tissue. Complications during and after cancer therapy depend on the type of malignancy, age at diagnosis, and the drugs used during the therapy. The adverse oral effects of irradiation have long been known, and high-dose chemotherapy can cause similar oral late effects, such as dental disturbances, delayed tooth eruption, oral mucosa changes, and craniofacial effects. There are many protocols to prevent acute oral toxicity and infections like mucositis, candidiasis, or hyposalivation. The aim of this chapter is to define the short-term and long-term effects of cancer therapy on the oral health.