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Background: Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a major cause of morbidity in patients with malignancies. It is a common complication of head and neck radiation therapy and can result in pain, dysgeusia (taste changes), anorexia, malnutrition, and esophageal or systemic dissemination. Clinicians should be aware of current epidemiology, elements of diagnosis, and therapeutic trials guiding the recent recommendations for prophylaxis and management of OPC, a disease often incorrectly perceived as benign.Methods: This review discusses OPC with focus in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.Results: Local treatments are recommended as first-line therapy in milder forms of OPC. In the setting of local therapy, products that provide prolonged contact time and are not sucrose sweetened may result in successful prevention and management with low risk of oral/dental complications.Conclusion: Diagnosis and management of OPC is required in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation. Local therapy is suggested as first-line treatment for OPC, unless severe clinical infection or high risk immune suppression necessitate systemic therapy. The availability of effective locally delivered (topical) medications may provide potential for prophylaxis for carriers of Candida species in head and cancer patients during radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSES: To investigate the distribution of modifiable oral and general health risk behaviors according to socioeconomic status and to examine the extent of clustering of risk behaviors among Korean adolescents. METHODS: Self-reported data from 71,404 adolescents were obtained using a stratified cluster sample of students in the 7th to 12th grades who participated in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of family affluence on health behaviors and the strength of associations of general health behaviors in models for oral health behaviors. RESULTS: Adolescents of high family affluence level were more likely to frequently brush their teeth, receive preventive dental care, eat breakfast, exercise regularly and become drunk, and were less likely to frequently smoke compared with those from less affluent families. Those who brush their teeth frequently were 19% less likely to smoke, 1.26 times more likely to eat breakfast, and 1.15 times more likely to do exercise. Those who received preventive dental care during the past year were 1.1 times more likely to smoke frequently and 1.38 times more likely to experience drunkenness once or more during the past year. CONCLUSIONS: The co-occurrence of oral and general health risk behaviors among Korean adolescents and relatedness to the underlying socioeconomic environment suggest that clustering of health behaviors occurs before adulthood. Integrated efforts toward oral and general health promotion in the socioeconomic construct of the family environment may be needed to effect change in health risk behaviors among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aims of this systematic review were to determine, in patients receiving cancer therapy, the prevalence of clinical oral fungal infection and fungal colonization, to determine the impact on quality of life and cost of care, and to review current management strategies for oral fungal infections.Methods: Thirty-nine articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were independently reviewed by two calibrated reviewers, each using a standard form. Information was extracted on a number of variables, including study design, study population, sample size, interventions, blinding, outcome measures, methods, results, and conclusions for each article. Areas of discrepancy between the two reviews were resolved by consensus. Studies were weighted as to the quality of the study design, and recommendations were based on the relative strength of each paper. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the weighted prevalence of clinical oral fungal infection and fungal colonization.Results: For all cancer treatments, the weighted prevalence of clinical oral fungal infection was found to be 7.5% pre-treatment, 39.1% during treatment, and 32.6% after the end of cancer therapy. Head and neck radiotherapy and chemotherapy were each independently associated with a significantly increased risk for oral fungal infection. For all cancer treatments, the prevalence of oral colonization with fungal organisms was 48.2% before treatment, 72.2% during treatment, and 70.1% after treatment. The prophylactic use of fluconazole during cancer therapy resulted in a prevalence of clinical fungal infection of 1.9%. No information specific to oral fungal infections was found on quality of life or cost of care.Conclusions: There is an increased risk of clinically significant oral fungal infection during cancer therapy. Systemic antifungals are effective in the prevention of clinical oral fungal infection in patients receiving cancer therapy. Currently available topical antifungal agents are less efficacious, suggesting a need for better topical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appropriately trained dental hygienists can participate in oral cancer (OC) control. Method: We assessed knowledge of risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and opinions regarding OC education among 651 dental hygienists practicing in North Carolina using a mail survey. We constructed regression models of factors influencing high knowledge levels. Results: Most correctly identified tobacco and alcohol use as OC risk factors, and 52% felt their knowledge of OC was current; however, we identified gaps. Diagnostic knowledge was highest for those who were recent graduates or received continuing education in the last 5 years; 96% were interested in future continuing education. Conclusion: Increased OC education content in dental hygiene curricula and training programs for practicing hygienists is needed to enhance early detection of OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To establish incidence rates and risk factors for HIV-associated oral candidiasis (OC), oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL), and any HIV-associated oral diseases (HIV-OD). DESIGN: This prospective, cumulative case-control study followed 283 initially oral disease-free HIV-1-infected men and women for 2 years. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) and incidence proportions for OC, OHL, and HIV-OD were estimated. Multivariable analyses using Poisson regression determined the most parsimonious best-fitting model explaining the outcomes. RESULTS: Incidence rate (per 1000 person-months) was 9.3 for OC, 6.8 for OHL, and 13.5 for HIV-OD. Incidence of OC was associated with low CD4 count (adjusted IRR = 3.0 (95% CI = 1.7, 5.1)), smoking (IRR = 1.9 (1.0, 3.8)) and combination antiretroviral therapy (IRR = 0.3 (0.1, 0.8)). Incidence of OHL was associated with low CD4 count, conditional upon smoking status. Conclusions Low CD4 count and smoking are important risk factors for HIV-associated OC and OHL. Antiretroviral medications are protective for OC but not for OHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of HIV/AIDS patients' self-diagnosis of common HIV-related oral opportunistic infections. METHODS: 245 HIV/AIDS patients were interviewed regarding the current presence of oral candidiasis (OC), oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL), and oral ulcers prior to an oral examination by an oral medicine trained dentist examiner. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) are reported for the patient's oral lesion diagnosis compared to the dentist's diagnosis based on established presumptive clinical criteria as the gold standard. RESULTS: Self-diagnosis accuracy was greatest for pseudomembraneous OC (PPV 42.9%; NPV 93.5%), followed by oral ulcers (PPV 35.7%; NPV 98.3%) and OHL (PPV 23.5%; NPV 86.4%). Past experience with the lesion improved diagnostic accuracy, and bothersome symptoms accompanying the lesion had significant impact only for pseudomembraneous OC and oral ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate accuracy of patient self-assessment of oral lesions, with tendency to under rather than over report lesion presence, supports the use of patient self-assessment of these lesions to augment clinician diagnosis in clinical trials. Additionally, HIV/AIDS patients are unlikely to believe they have active OC that would lead to on-demand antifungal use, unless they have had prior experience with the lesion or it is at least moderately bothersome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by AE Sanders, GD Slade and LL Patton to a letter to the editor about their article "National prevalence of oral HPV infection and related risk factors in the U.S. adult population" in the July 2012 issue is presented.

Many oral and pharyngeal cancers (OPC) are preventable. Early detection improves survival rates. Hygienists have opportunities to help reduce the oral cancer burden among their patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to qualitatively assess North Carolina dental Hygienists' views regarding OPC prevention and early detection. METHODS: Sixteen practicing dental hygienists participated in 2, 8-person focus groups. Focus groups were taped, transcribed, and analyzed qualitatively for content. RESULTS: Four major themes arose: 1) The charge of the dental hygienist was not necessarily to diagnose cancer, but to recognize abnormalities and initiate referral when necessary; 2) The dental hygienist is only helpful in the tobacco cessation process if the patient has a desire to quit; 3) The dental hygienist is most effective if the patient believes the provider is genuine and truly cares about the patient's well-being; 4) There is always a need for continued education in oral cancer screenings and tobacco cessation, specifically for hands-on courses. Barriers to performing OPC exams included: financial, time, and insufficient dentist support. Barriers for dental hygienists in providing tobacco cessation counseling included: lack of patient interest, lack of patient education materials and resources, smoking parents of adolescents, personality issues, and provider-patient diversity in age, gender, ethnicity, and culture. CONCLUSIONS: Dental hygienists felt their most important contribution to oral cancer control was patient education and oral cancer awareness. Professional continuing education is important and barriers need to be addressed to improve oral cancer control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: North Carolina is the 11th most populous state and ranks 14th among all states in the age-adjusted mortality rate for oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC). This study assessed North Carolina dental Hygienists' knowledge of tobacco and alcohol use as OPC risk factors, assessment practices of tobacco and alcohol use in patient medical histories, and opinions regarding tobacco and alcohol cessation education. Characteristics of dental hygienists who screen for tobacco and alcohol use in medical histories were also analyzed.Methods: A 40-item survey was mailed to a simple random sample of 1,223 dental hygienists from a registry of 4,076 licensed in North Carolina. Data were included from 651 completed surveys, giving an effective response rate of 57%.Results: Most respondents correctly identified tobacco and alcohol use as risk factors for OPC. A majority assessed patients' tobacco and alcohol use. Less than 10% assessed no tobacco factors, while nearly 42% assessed no alcohol factors. A number of background and practice characteristics were found to be positively associated with tobacco and alcohol screening in patient medical histories. A majority agreed or strongly agreed that dental hygienists should be trained to provide tobacco and alcohol cessation education to their patients; however, few felt trained to provide such education.Conclusion: Improvements in knowledge regarding tobacco and alcohol use as OPC risk factors are needed. Future interventions might include educational programs for currently practicing dental hygienists and increased tobacco and alcohol cessation education in the professional entry-level dental hygiene curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare salivary flow rates between females and males, before and after radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC)., Methods: Prospective observational multicenter cohort study (OraRad). Stimulated whole salivary flow was measured before RT and at 6 and 18 months after RT., Results: Mean (95% confidence interval) salivary flow in g/min before RT was 0.81 (0.71, 0.90) in females (n = 107) and 1.20 (1.15, 1.25) in males (n = 391) (p < 0.001); at 6 months was 0.34 (0.24, 0.44) in females and 0.50 (0.44, 0.55) in males (p = 0.01); at 18 months was 0.49 (0.38, 0.59) in females and 0.70 (0.64, 0.75) in males (p < 0.001). Median nadir salivary flow after RT was 0.22 in females and 0.35 in males (p < 0.001). A lower nadir salivary flow in females, but not males, was associated with an increased risk for tooth failure (p = 0.02)., Conclusions: Females with HNC have lower stimulated whole salivary flow than males, before and after RT. Low salivary flow after RT may be a risk factor for tooth failure among females. The lower pre-RT salivary flow rates in females, combined with prior literature in other populations, indicates that, in general, females have lower stimulated salivary flow than males., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Patients who are oral hygiene noncompliant (OHNC) are more likely to lose teeth after radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC), which increases the risk of developing osteoradionecrosis. A previous study revealed that patients who were OHNC at baseline (BL) who became oral hygiene compliant during follow-up had the best tooth-failure outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with oral hygiene compliance (OHC), overall, and among those who were BL OHNC., Methods: This was an observational, prospective, cohort study of 518 patients with HNC assessed before RT and at post-RT follow-up visits every 6 months for 2 years. Patient and treatment-related information was collected at BL and during follow-up, including self-reported OHC. OHC was defined as toothbrushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once daily., Results: Of the 296 patients who self-reported being BL OHNC, 44 (14.9%) became oral hygiene compliant at all follow-up visits. Among this group, those who had dental insurance (P = .026), surgery before RT (P = .008), limited mouth opening before RT (P = .001), compliant fluoride use (P = .023), primary RT site of oral cavity (P = .004), and primary surgical site of larynx and hypopharynx (P = .042) were more likely to become oral hygiene compliant post-RT., Conclusions: The reasons for the cohort of patients with HNC in this study being OHNC are multifaceted and relate to socioeconomic factors and cancer characteristics., Practical Implications: Finding ways to increase OHC and fluoride use among patients with HNC who are at greatest risk of being OHNC should be explored., Competing Interests: Disclosures None of the authors reported any disclosures., (Copyright © 2024 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Trismus/reduced mouth opening (RMO) is a common side effect of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). The objective was to measure RMO, identify risk factors for RMO, and determine its impact on quality of life (QOL)., Study Design: OraRad is an observational, prospective, multicenter cohort study of patients receiving curative intent RT for HNC. Interincisal mouth opening measurements (n = 565) and patient-reported outcomes were recorded before RT and every 6 months for 2 years. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate change in mouth opening and assess the relationship between trismus history and change in QOL measures., Results: Interincisal distance decreased from a mean (SE) of 45.1 (0.42) mm at baseline to 42.2 (0.44) at 6 months, with slight recovery at 18 months (43.3, 0.46 mm) but no additional improvement by 24 months. The odds of trismus (opening <35 mm) were significantly higher at 6 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.76) and 12 months (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.25) compared with baseline. Females were more likely to experience trismus at baseline and during follow-up (P < .01). Patients with oral cavity cancer had the highest risk for trismus at baseline and post-RT (P < .01). RMO was associated with higher RT dose to the primary site and receiving concomitant chemotherapy (P < .01). Trismus was associated with self-reported difficulty opening the mouth and dry mouth (P < .01)., Conclusions: A decrease in mouth opening is a common treatment-related toxicity after RT, with some recovery by 18 months. Trismus has a significant impact on survivor QOL., Competing Interests: Declarations of interest None., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) such as radiotherapy (RT) can lead to numerous acute and chronic head and neck sequelae, including dental caries. The goal of the present study was to measure 2-y changes in dental caries after radiotherapy in patients with HNC and test risk factors for caries increment., Methods: Cancer and dental disease characteristics, demographics, and oral health practices were documented before and 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo after the start of RT for 572 adult patients with HNC. Patients were eligible if they were age 18 y or older, diagnosed with HNC, and planned to receive RT for treatment of HNC. Caries prevalence was measured as decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS). The association between change in DMFS and risk factors was evaluated using linear mixed models., Results: On average, DMFS increased from baseline to each follow-up visit: 6 mo, +1.11; 12 mo, +2.47; 18 mo, +3.43; and 24 mo, +4.29 ( P < 0.0001). The increase in DMFS during follow-up was significantly smaller for the following patient characteristics: compliant with daily fluoride use ( P = 0.0004) and daily oral hygiene (brushing twice daily and flossing daily; P = 0.015), dental insurance ( P = 0.004), and greater than high school education ( P = 0.001). DMFS change was not significantly associated with average or maximum RT dose to the parotids ( P > 0.6) or salivary flow ( P > 0.1). In the subset of patients who had salivary hypofunction at baseline ( n = 164), lower salivary flow at follow-up visits was associated with increased DMFS., Conclusion: Increased caries is a complication soon after RT in HNC. Fluoride, oral hygiene, dental insurance, and education level had the strongest association with caries increment after radiotherapy to the head and neck region. Thus, intensive oral hygiene measures, including fluoride and greater accessibility of dental care, may contribute to reducing the caries burden after RT in HNC., Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study can be used by clinicians when deciding how to minimize oral complications related to cancer therapy for patients with head and neck cancer. Identification of modifiable factors (e.g., oral hygiene and prescription fluoride compliance) associated with increased caries risk can minimize radiation caries burden.

Background: The objective of this study was to identify tooth-level risk factors for use during preradiation dental care management to predict risk of tooth failure (tooth lost or declared hopeless) and exposed bone after radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC)., Methods: The authors conducted a prospective observational multicenter cohort study of 572 patients receiving RT for HNC. Participants were examined by calibrated examiners before RT and then every 6 months until 2 years after RT. Analyses considered time to tooth failure and chance of exposed bone at a tooth location., Results: The following pre-RT characteristics predicted tooth failure within 2 years after RT: hopeless teeth not extracted pre-RT (hazard ratio [HR], 17.1; P < .0001), untreated caries (HR, 5.0; P < .0001), periodontal pocket 6 mm or greater (HR, 3.4; P = .001) or equaling 5 mm (HR, 2.2; P = .006), recession over 2 mm (HR, 2.8; P = .002), furcation score of 2 (HR, 3.3; P = .003), and any mobility (HR, 2.2; P = .008). The following pre-RT characteristics predicted occurrence of exposed bone at a tooth location: hopeless teeth not extracted before RT (risk ratio [RR], 18.7; P = .0002) and pocket depth 6 mm or greater (RR, 5.4; P = .003) or equaling 5 mm (RR, 4.7; P = .016). Participants with exposed bone at the site of a pre-RT dental extraction averaged 19.6 days between extraction and start of RT compared with 26.2 days for participants without exposed bone (P = .21)., Conclusions: Individual teeth with the risk factors identified in this study should be considered for extraction before RT for HNC, with adequate healing time before start of RT., Practical Implications: The findings of this trial will facilitate evidence-based dental management of the care of patients receiving RT for HNC. This clinical trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov. The registration number is NCT02057510., (Copyright © 2023 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment results in morbidity impacting quality of life (QOL) in survivorship. This analysis evaluated changes in oral health-related QOL (OH-QOL) up to 2 years after curative intent radiation therapy (RT) for HNC patients and factors associated with these changes., Methods: 572 HNC patients participated in a multicenter, prospective observational study (OraRad). Data collected included sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment variables. Ten single-item questions and 2 composite scales of swallowing problems and senses problems (taste and smell) from a standard QOL instrument were assessed before RT and at 6-month intervals after RT., Results: The most persistently impacted OH-QOL variables at 24 months included: dry mouth; sticky saliva, and senses problems. These measures were most elevated at the 6-month visit. Aspects of swallowing were most impacted by oropharyngeal tumor site, chemotherapy, and non-Hispanic ethnicity. Problems with senses and dry mouth were worse with older age. Dry mouth and sticky saliva increased more among men and those with oropharyngeal cancer, nodal involvement, and use of chemotherapy. Problems with mouth opening were increased by chemotherapy and were more common among non-White and Hispanic individuals. A 1000 cGy increase in RT dose was associated with a clinically meaningful change in difficulty swallowing solid food, dry mouth, sticky saliva, sense of taste, and senses problems., Conclusions: Demographic, tumor, and treatment variables impacted OH-QOL for HNC patients up to 2 years after RT. Dry mouth is the most intense and sustained toxicity of RT that negatively impacts OH-QOL of HNC survivors., Gov Identifier: NCT02057510; first posted February 7, 2014., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine whether dental intervention involving bone or soft-tissue manipulation preradiotherapy (pre-RT) is associated with lower rates of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC)., Types of Studies Reviewed: The authors included relevant studies from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library, including observational studies published from 2007 through 2021 and involving adults who underwent dental intervention pre-RT for HNC. Authors assessed evidence certainty by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risk estimates and hazard ratios. When meta-analysis was not possible, study-level measures of association and narrative summaries of the evidence were reported., Results: Twenty-two studies were included. From the pooled, unadjusted analysis, patients undergoing pre-RT extractions may have a 55% increased risk of experiencing ORNJ (relative risk, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.85 to 2.86; very low certainty); the unadjusted pooled hazard ratio was 3.19 (95% CI, 0.99 to 10.31; very low certainty), corresponding to a possible increased hazard of developing ORNJ (very low certainty). Findings for other pre-RT procedures manipulating bone or tissue relied on limited, observational studies with low or very low certainty evidence., Conclusions: Mostly very low certainty evidence suggests that patients with HNC who need pre-RT dental intervention may have an increased risk of developing ORNJ compared with those who do not., Practical Implications: Maintaining optimal oral health may help reduce the need for urgent pre-RT dental treatment, potentially reducing ORNJ risk and minimizing delay of oncologic treatment in patients with HNC., (Copyright © 2022 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To elucidate long-term sequelae of radiation therapy (RT) in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, a multicenter, prospective study, Clinical Registry of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (OraRad), was established with tooth failure as its primary outcome. We report tooth failure and associated risk factors., Methods and Materials: Demographics and cancer and dental disease characteristics were documented in 572 HNC patients at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after RT. Eligible patients were aged 18 or older, diagnosed with HNC, and receiving RT to treat HNC. Tooth failure during follow-up was defined as losing a tooth or having a tooth deemed hopeless. Analyses of time to first tooth-failure event and number of teeth that failed used Kaplan-Meier estimators, Cox regression, and generalized linear models., Results: At 2 years, the estimated fraction of tooth failure was 17.8% (95% confidence interval, 14.3%-21.3%). The number of teeth that failed was higher for those with fewer teeth at baseline (P < .0001), greater reduction in salivary flow rate (P = .013), and noncompliance with daily oral hygiene (P = .03). Patients with dental caries at baseline had a higher risk of tooth failure with decreased salivary flow. Patients who were oral-hygiene noncompliant at baseline but compliant at all follow-up visits had the fewest teeth that failed; greatest tooth failure occurred in participants who were noncompliant at baseline and follow-up., Conclusions: Despite pre-RT dental management, substantial tooth failure occurs within 2 years after RT for HNC. Identified factors may help to predict or reduce risk of post-RT tooth failure., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine effects of radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) on periodontal disease and relationships to caries., Study Design: A multicenter prospective observational cohort study (OraRad) was conducted in patients undergoing RT for HNC. Assessments were conducted by calibrated examiners at the pre-RT (baseline) visit (n = 533), the 12-month visit (n = 414), and the 24-month visit (n = 365)., Results: The average whole mouth mean (standard error (SE)) distance from the cementoenamel junction to the gingival margin (CEJ-GM) decreased significantly from 0.43 (0.04) mm at baseline to 0.24 (0.04) mm at 12 months and 0.11 (0.04) mm at 24 months (P ≤ .001). Whole mouth mean (SE) percentage of sites with CEJ-GM distance of <0 mm increased significantly from 23.3% (1.0%) at baseline to 28.5% (1.0%) at 12 months and 30.5% (1.1%) at 24 months (P ≤ .02). Higher mean radiation dose to the mandible was associated with a greater increase in the percentage of mandibular sites with CEJ-GM distance of <0 mm (P = .003). Both mean CEJ-GM distance and the percentage of sites with a CEJ-GM distance <0 mm were strongly associated with whole mouth mean proportion of decayed, missing, and filled surfaces, as well as proportion of decayed or filled facial/buccal surfaces specifically, (P < .001), with greater gingival recession associated with increased caries., Conclusions: RT for HNC leads to mandibular gingival recession in a dose-dependent manner. This gingival recession may contribute to increased risk for cervical caries seen in these patients., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Salivary hypofunction and xerostomia, are common side effects of radiotherapy, negatively impacting quality of life. The OraRad study presents results on the longitudinal impact of radiotherapy on salivary flow and patient-reported outcomes., Patients and Methods: Prospective, multicenter cohort study of 572 patients receiving curative-intent head and neck radiotherapy (RT). Stimulated salivary flow (SSF) rate and patient-reported outcomes were measured prior to RT and at 6- and 18-months post-RT. Linear mixed effects models examined the relationship between RT dose and change in salivary flow, and change in patient-reported outcomes., Results: 544 patients had baseline salivary flow measurement, with median (IQR) stimulated flow rate of 0.975 (0.648, 1.417) g/min. Average RT dose to parotid glands was associated with change in salivary flow post-RT (p < 0.001). Diminished flow to 37% of pre-RT level was observed at 6 months (median: 0.358, IQR: 0.188 to 0.640 g/min, n = 481) with partial recovery to 59% of pre-RT at 18 months (median: 0.575, IQR: 0.338 to 0.884 g/min, n = 422). Significant improvement in patient-reported swallowing, senses (taste and smell), mouth opening, dry mouth, and sticky saliva (p-values < 0.03) were observed between 6 and 18 months post-RT. Changes in swallowing, mouth opening, dry mouth, and sticky saliva were significantly associated with changes in salivary flow from baseline (p-values < 0.04)., Conclusion: Salivary flow and patient-reported outcomes decreased as a result of RT, but demonstrated partial recovery during follow-up. Continued efforts are needed to improve post-RT salivary function to support quality of life., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine bleeding control interventions (BCIs) that were reported to be effective in controlling postoperative bleeding in patients with inherited functional platelet disorders (IFPDs) undergoing invasive dental procedures., Study Design: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library (Wiley), and Scopus from 1960 through April 2020 for studies on patients with IFPD undergoing invasive dental procedures. Two reviewers conducted assessments independently., Results: We found a total of 620 nonduplicate published articles, of which 32 studies met our inclusion criteria. Management with BCI in patients with IFPD included in this systematic review was effective in 80.7% of treatment sessions. Local measures used intraoperatively were found to be effective. Three different protocols of BCI were noted; the most effective protocol consisted of antifibrinolytics, scaffold/matrix agents, and sutures (P < .01). An adjunct protocol consisting of a tissue sealant was also effective (P < .01). A third protocol of platelet transfusion and antifibrinolytics was ineffective in controlling postoperative bleeding in 4 of 6 dental sessions., Conclusions: This systematic review supports the use of local measures intraoperatively and antifibrinolytics postoperatively. It also supports making decision regarding platelet transfusion based on the clinician's clinical judgment and medical history of the individual patient., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiation therapy (RT) are at risk for jaw osteoradionecrosis (ORN), which is largely characterized by the presence of exposed necrotic bone. This report describes the incidence and clinical course of and risk factors for exposed intraoral bone in the multicenter Observational Study of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (OraRad) cohort., Methods: Participants were evaluated before RT and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after RT. Exposed bone was characterized by location, sequestrum formation, and other associated features. The radiation dose to the affected area was determined, and the history of treatment for exposed bone was recorded., Results: The study enrolled 572 participants; 35 (6.1%) were diagnosed with incident exposed bone at 6 (47% of reports), 12 (24%), 18 (20%), and 24 months (8%), with 60% being sequestrum and with 7 cases (20%) persisting for >6 months. The average maximum RT dose to the affected area of exposed bone was 5456 cGy (SD, 1768 cGy); the most frequent associated primary RT sites were the oropharynx (42.9%) and oral cavity (31.4%), and 76% of episodes occurred in the mandible. The diagnosis of ORN was confirmed in 18 participants for an incidence rate of 3.1% (18 of 572). Risk factors included pre-RT extractions (P = .008), a higher RT dose (P = .039), and tobacco use (P = .048)., Conclusions: The 2-year incidence of exposed bone in the OraRad cohort was 6.1%; the incidence of confirmed ORN was 3.1%. Exposed bone after RT for HNC is relatively uncommon and, in most cases, is a short-term complication, not a recurring or persistent one., (© 2021 American Cancer Society.)

Background: Approximately 50% of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) initially were seen with advanced disease. We aimed to evaluate the association of epidemiologic factors with advanced HNC at diagnosis., Methods: The OraRad multicenter prospective cohort study enrolled HNC patients receiving curative-intent radiation therapy. Factors assessed for association with advanced HNC presentation at diagnosis included demographics, social and medical history, cancer characteristics, human papilloma virus (HPV) status, and dental disease measures., Results: We enrolled 572 participants; 77% male and mean (SD) age of 61.7 (11.2) years. Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (88% HPV-related) were seen with smaller tumors, but more frequent nodal involvement. Private medical insurance and no Medicaid were associated with smaller tumors. A higher dental disease burden was associated with larger tumors., Conclusions: Insurance status, cancer type/location, and dental disease are associated with advanced HNC and may represent potentially modifiable factors or factors to be considered in the screening process of new lesions., (© 2020 The Authors. Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Oral candidiasis (OC) is the most prevalent HIV-related oral lesion in patients on combined anti-retroviral therapy (cART) or without cART. Management is challenged in some patients by development of resistance to azole drugs, such as fluconazole. Recent scientific knowledge about OC pathogenesis, the role of OC in the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), the relationship of OC with the microbiome, and novelties in OC treatment was discussed in an international workshop format. Literature searches were conducted to address five questions: (a) Considering the pathogenesis of Candida spp. infection, are there any potential therapeutic targets that could be considered, mainly in HIV-infected individuals resistant to fluconazole? (b) Is oral candidiasis part of IRIS in HIV patients who receive cART? (c) Can management of the oral microbiome reduce occurrence of OC in patients with HIV infection? (d) What are the recent advances (since 2015) regarding plant-based and alternative medicines in management of OC? and (e) Is there a role for photodynamic therapy in management of OC in HIV-infected patients? A number of the key areas where further research is necessary were identified to allow a deeper insight into this oral condition that could help to understand its nature and recommend alternatives for care., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: This objective of this umbrella review was to summarize the evidence on safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in the general population., Methods: The authors conducted a literature search and selected systematic reviews if they were published from January 2006 through November 2018, included randomized controlled trials or observational studies, related to the general population, and evaluated HPV vaccine-related clinical outcomes. The authors independently and in duplicate screened literature, extracted data, and appraised reviews using AMSTAR 2, a critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews., Results: The authors selected 30 systematic reviews that included male and female participants aged 9 through 76 years from multiple countries. Reviews evaluated postvaccine seroconversion, HPV infection rates, precancerous or benign lesions, and adverse events; none of the researchers reported on oral or oropharyngeal lesions. Results from the reviews showed that, compared with those who received a placebo or non-HPV-type vaccine, HPV-vaccinated participants had statistically significantly higher rates of seroconversion and local adverse events, statistically significantly lower rates of HPV infection and condylomata lesions, and decreased rates of HPV-related precancerous lesions, which did not always attain statistical significance., Conclusions: Systematic reviews have found evidence that the available HPV vaccines are safe, effective, and efficacious against vaccine-type HPV infection and HPV-associated cellular changes, including precancerous and benign lesions., Practical Implications: Dentists may use this resource to better understand the literature on the potential harms and benefits of HPV vaccination., (Copyright © 2020 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted oncovirus associated with several malignancies, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The 9-valent HPV vaccine can help protect against the high-risk HPV strains most commonly associated with HPV-related cancers., Methods: The authors used an electronic survey to assess the roles of dentists and their team members in discussing the HPV vaccine, as well as administering the vaccine in a dental setting. On December 6, 2019, the authors e-mailed a survey link to the American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators (ACE) Panel (n = 813), a sample of American Dental Association member dentists. After 1 e-mail reminder, the survey closed on December 19, 2019, and the authors conducted exploratory and descriptive data analyses using SAS Version 9.4 (SAS)., Results: A total of 329 dentists responded to the survey, and 83 (25%) of them reported that they or their team members discuss the implications of the HPV vaccine with age-eligible patients or their parents or guardians. Dentists lead two-thirds (n = 218) of the discussions, and the clinical examination is the most frequent moment during the patient visit in which HPV-related topics are discussed. Some of the top reasons respondents mentioned for not discussing the vaccine in their practice were the perception that these discussions are best left to other health care professionals and not knowing how to address the topic with patients. If the scope of dental practice is expanded to include administering the vaccine, 125 (38%) of respondents would feel uncomfortable administering the vaccine. The most common potential barriers to administering the vaccine in a dental setting include obtaining reimbursement and vaccine management and preservation., Conclusions: The survey results suggest that dentists' comfort levels and perceived roles in discussing and administering the HPV vaccine vary., Practical Implications: There is a need to further define the role of dentists and their team members in the promotion and administration of the HPV vaccine. Resources for dentists and dental team members may be helpful to support professional education and communication about the HPV vaccine., (Copyright © 2020 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with pulpal and periapical conditions often seek treatment for pain, intraoral swelling, or both. Even when definitive, conservative dental treatment (DCDT) is an option, antibiotics are often prescribed. The purpose of this review was to summarize available evidence regarding the effect of antibiotics, either alone or as adjuncts to DCDT, to treat immunocompetent adults with pulpal and periapical conditions, as well as additional population-level harms associated with antibiotic use., Type of Studies Reviewed: The authors updated 2 preexisting systematic reviews to identify newly published randomized controlled trials. They also searched for systematic reviews to inform additional harm outcomes. They conducted searches in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias and certainty in the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach., Results: The authors found no new trials via the update of the preexisting reviews. Ultimately, 3 trials and 8 additional reports proved eligible for this review. Trial estimates for all outcomes suggested both a benefit and harm over 7 days (very low to low certainty evidence). The magnitude of additional harms related to antibiotic use for any condition were potentially large (very low to moderate certainty evidence)., Conclusions and Practical Implications: Evidence for antibiotics, either alone or as adjuncts to DCDT, showed both a benefit and a harm for outcomes of pain and intraoral swelling and a large potential magnitude of effect in regard to additional harm outcomes. The impact of dental antibiotic prescribing requires further research., (Copyright © 2019 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: An expert panel convened by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs and the Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry conducted a systematic review and formulated clinical recommendations for the urgent management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with or without symptomatic apical periodontitis, pulp necrosis and symptomatic apical periodontitis, or pulp necrosis and localized acute apical abscess using antibiotics, either alone or as adjuncts to definitive, conservative dental treatment (DCDT) in immunocompetent adults., Types of Studies Reviewed: The authors conducted a search of the literature in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature to retrieve evidence on benefits and harms associated with antibiotic use. The authors used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty in the evidence and the Evidence-to-Decision framework., Results: The panel formulated 5 clinical recommendations and 2 good practice statements, each specific to the target conditions, for settings in which DCDT is and is not immediately available. With likely negligible benefits and potentially large harms, the panel recommended against using antibiotics in most clinical scenarios, irrespective of DCDT availability. They recommended antibiotics in patients with systemic involvement (for example, malaise or fever) due to the dental conditions or when the risk of experiencing progression to systemic involvement is high., Conclusion and Practical Implications: Evidence suggests that antibiotics for the target conditions may provide negligible benefits and probably contribute to large harms. The expert panel suggests that antibiotics for target conditions be used only when systemic involvement is present and that immediate DCDT should be prioritized in all cases., (Copyright © 2019 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current literature regarding the importance of discontinuing or not discontinuing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) before invasive oral procedures, and to establish the frequency and type of postoperative bleeding events in patients., Material and Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up until November 5, 2018. Selection of the studies, extraction of data, qualitative, and bias assessment was performed independently by two authors., Results: Twenty-one studies were included. No randomized controlled studies were identified. Six studies reported a direct comparison between patients taking DOACs and those who discontinued DOACs. The meta-analysis of these studies resulted in an OR of 0.92 (95% CI = 0.37-2.27, I 2  = 9%) for postoperative bleeding events for patients taking DOACs. We found that 59/497 (11.8%) postoperative bleeding events occurred in patients who continued DOACs, while 27/200 (13.5%) events were reported for patients who discontinued treatment. All postoperative bleeding events were controlled with local measures., Conclusion: Results from the included studies did not discern any important differences in postoperative bleeding events in patients who continued versus patients who discontinued DOACs. Furthermore, no thromboembolic events were recorded. However, the low quality of the studies must be considered., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of non-opioid interventions for the therapeutic management of pain in head and neck cancer patients with oral mucositis resulting from radiotherapy only or chemoradiotherapy., Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted which included randomised controlled trials that assessed patient-related outcome of pain in patients with oral mucositis associated with radiation therapy only or chemoradiotherapy. Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE via Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL., Results: The electronic searches identified 846 articles. Screening revealed that six articles met all eligibility inclusion criteria. Interventions showing statistically significant benefits to reduce oral mucositis associated pain compared to placebo included doxepin (p < 0.001, 95% CI -6.7 to -2.1), amitriptyline (p = 0.04), diclofenac (p < 0.01) and benzydamine (p = 0.014)., Conclusions: Non-opioid interventions, including topical doxepin, amitriptyline, diclofenac and benzydamine, were found to provide relief of pain due to mucositis, and when effective may allow for reduction in the use of opioids in pain management., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the evidence for a 50,000/μl platelet count threshold for platelet transfusion for invasive dental procedures in thrombocytopenic patients., Subjects and Methods: We searched in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library (Wiley) and Scopus from 1960 through April 2018 for studies on patients with quantitative platelet disorders not related to medical co-morbidities or medications and undergoing invasive dental procedures. Two reviewers conducted assessments independently., Results: We found a total of 176 non-duplicate articles, of which 9 cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. The incidence of postoperative bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients was low (4.9%), and we found no difference in bleeding incidence between patients who had platelet transfusion and those who did not. There was no difference in the mean platelet count for patients with and without bleeding. Different modalities are now available to prevent and control bleeding, which may reduce the need for platelet transfusion., Conclusions: There is no evidence to support the long-standing dogma of a need for a platelet count ≥ 50,000/μl for safe invasive dental procedures. Platelet transfusion effectiveness for haemostasis support could not be determined based on available data. Local measures and antifibrinolytics are the mainstay for the prevention and management of bleeding., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between normative orthodontic treatment need and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) at an item level as well as subscale and total score levels among schoolchildren., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,010 randomly selected children aged approximately 8, 10, 12, and 15 years residing in the Gyeonggi province, Korea. Children were clinically examined with the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). To measure OHRQoL, the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) was used., Results: In the physical health domain of COHIP, crooked teeth, discoloration, "food sticking," and "difficulty keeping teeth clean" were significantly associated with IOTN levels (P < 0.05), whereas pain, sensitivity and bleeding, bad breath, mouth breathing, and dry mouth were not. In addition, present and future dental health were significantly associated with IOTN levels, although self-confidence, attractiveness, and future health were not. As expected, the 5 subscale scores and total score of COHIP were significantly associated with IOTN levels after adjustment for gender, age, socioeconomic level, and caries state., Conclusions: This study suggests the importance of in-depth investigation at the item level of OHRQoL assessment scales to better evaluate the impact of malocclusion that might be alleviated by orthodontic treatment., (Copyright © 2018 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)