Radiation therapy of the head and neck can cause side effects to the teeth both in the short-term time frame and over the long-term after the treatment, according to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Radiation therapists work to adequately treat the cancer with radiation while minimizing the effects to the healthy tissues, according to American Society of Clinical Oncology. Even with this caution, there may still be some changes in the teeth and the tissues around the teeth after radiation therapy.
Xerostomia
Radiation therapy that involves the oral cavity can cause damage to the salivary glands, according to OncoLink.org. The damage to the salivary glands can cause a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Radiation changes the amount and quality of saliva produced by these glands after radiation. Since a function of saliva is to clean and protect the teeth, any change may increase the risk of tooth decay and the development of cavities. Before radiation therapy, the dentist may suggest fluoride treatments to decrease the risk of cavities.
Problems with Tooth Development
Children who receive radiation to the head and neck may have problems with the development of teeth over the long term, according to OncoLink.org. The radiation may affect both the baby and permanent teeth. The enamel on the teeth may not form correctly. The roots of the teeth may become shortened, which may lead to the teeth falling out of the mouth. The permanent teeth may not erupt through the gums at the appropriate time or may not erupt in the proper position, so the teeth may not be aligned correctly in the mouth. Management of these problems will require consultation with both general and specialty dentists.
Osteoradionecrosis and the Teeth
Radiation of the head and neck may cause osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, or death of the cells in the bones, according to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The damage to these tissues may be one of the most serious and dangerous side effects of radiation therapy, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. The small blood vessels of the jaw are damaged by the radiation, which increases the risk of infection of the jaw. The bone underneath the teeth is typically destroyed. Diseased teeth should be removed before radiation therapy because removal of the teeth after radiation can cause infections in the jaw. This condition may affect the management and care of the teeth in the mouth for years after the therapy is completed.
References
- National Cancer Intitute: Management of Oral Complications During and After Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: Long Term Effects of Radiation
- American Society of Clinical Oncology: Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
- Oral Cancer Foundation: Dental and Oral Complications
- American Society of Clinical Oncology: Dental Health During Cancer Treatment
