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

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.