Research
Tooth Loss among Cancer Patients: Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Position and Number of Missing Teeth
Objective: to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with tooth loss according to their number and position in cancer patients in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methodology: a cross-sectional study with a sample of 441 adults undergoing cancer treatment. The outcome was obtained by clinical evaluation of tooth loss, categorizing the participants into: (i) having functional dentition (FD) [presence of 20 or more teeth] without anterior losses; (ii) having FD with anterior losses; (iii) not having FD. Independent variables included socioeconomic situation, health-related habits, general and cancer-related health, oral health, and dental care. Bivariate and multiple multinomial logistic regression models were used in data analysis, with (i) as the reference group. Results: 27.29% presented FD without anterior losses; 6.04% had FD with anterior losses; and 66.67% did not have FD. There was a strong possibility of having FD with anterior loss for those who have an income < 1 minimum wage (OR: 0.04; CI95%: 0.01-0.80) and those who did not report flavor alteration (OR: 0.31; IC95%: 0.10-0.90). Individuals with a greater chance of not having FD were older subjects (OR: 1.06; CI95%: 1.02-1.10), less educated (OR: 0.15; CI95%: 0.02-0.81), those who use prosthesis (OR: 63.97; CI95%: 20.22-202.22), those with no periodontal pockets (OR: 0.17; CI95%: 0.07-0.43), and those who brush their teeth < 3x/day (OR: 0.22; IC95%: 0.09-0.53). Conclusion: tooth loss, including anterior losses, has a relevant impact on this population and socioeconomic and oral health conditions are determinants of this outcome.
Oral complications in cancer patients: The role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Objective: To evaluate the association between chemotherapy and radiotherapy with occurrence of oral complications in cancer patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 399 adults in cancer treatment in a High Complexity Oncology Care Unit (HCOCU) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Participants adults (> 18 years) were included in the study who undergoing treatment or are being monitored after treatment, at the Oncological Center of the Casa de Caridade Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro between 2017 and 2019. Outcomes were assessed through a questionnarie about selfreported oral complications, such as xerostomia, halitosis, taste changes, dietary modifications, trismus, mucositis, and the presence of infection/inflammation.
