Cancer and Metastasis Reviews

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-020-09842-5

Oral and dental considerations in pediatric cancers

Priyanshi Ritwik 1 & Tammuella E. Chrisentery-Singleton 2

# Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020

Abstract
Oral health care is an integral component of interprofessional collaborative care for children and adolescents diagnosed with
cancer. The current review highlights the phases of cancer therapy when dental interventions and palliative care are necessary for
children diagnosed with cancer. Contemporary research and review articles pertinent to the oral and dental complications during
pediatric cancer therapy and late effects in pediatric cancer survivors were identified by PubMed/MEDLINE search. Best practice
guidelines set forth by specialty organizations were also included. The literature search was limited to articles published in the
English language. Baseline oral and dental health assessment should occur before initiation of cancer therapy to prevent
debilitating complications during the immunosuppressed phase. Counseling on preventive oral health practices is imperative
during cancer treatment. Ideally, all dental treatment should be completed before initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.
Palliative care and treatment for mucositis, opportunistic oral infections, pain, and other oral complications associated with
cancer therapy should be provided as necessary. Survivors of childhood cancers present with unique craniofacial and dental
anomalies, dependent on the type of cancer treatment and age at the time of treatment. Pediatric dentists and pediatric oncology
teams work collaboratively to screen for and treat dental and oral diseases. As the survival rates of childhood cancers improve, it
is essential for the dental profession to provide the individualized care necessary for this vulnerable population. The oral health
profession also reinforces health practices congruent with cancer prevention and cancer screening.

Keywords Pediatric cancer . Pediatric dentistry . Pediatric cancer survivors . Dental complications

1 Introduction In children, the most common types of cancer are leuke-

mias, followed by brain and other central nervous system tu-
Across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups, child- mors, soft tissue sarcomas (half are rhabdomyosarcomas),
hood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in neuroblastoma, and renal tumors [5]. The most common types
children. It is estimated that approximately 15,000 children (here- of cancer in adolescents are gonadal tumors, thyroid carcino-
after defined as ages 0–14 years) and adolescents (hereafter de- ma, germ cell tumors, lymphomas, brain and other central
fined as ages 15–19 years) are diagnosed with cancer in the USA nervous system tumors, leukemias, soft tissue sarcomas, bone
each year [1–3]. Survival rates are similar for children and ado- sarcomas, and melanoma [5].
lescents and approach 85% overall but vary among the two Genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome and envi-
groups for certain cancers. For example, the current 5-year rela- ronmental factors such as previous ionizing radiation ex-
tive survival rate for leukemia is 86% for children but only 72% posure are associated with a small percentage of child-
for adolescents [4]. In contrast, survival for brain and other ner- hood cancer cases [6–9]. Additionally, children with
vous system tumors is lower in children than in adolescents [4]. AIDS and other immunodeficiencies have an increased
risk of developing certain cancers, predominantly non-
* Priyanshi Ritwik
Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma [10]. However,
Priyanshi.ritwik@uth.tmc.edu the cause of most childhood cancers remains largely un-
known, and thereby there are no current strategies for the
1 prevention of these cancers [11, 12].
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, The
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 More than 40,000 children undergo treatment for cancer
Cambridge Street, Ste 5301, Houston, TX 77054, USA each year [13]. Treatment is complex and usually occurs in
2
Hemophilia Treatment Center, Mississippi Center for Advanced very specialized institutions that participate in well-
Medicine, 2053 Gause Blvd, East – Ste 200, Slidell, LA 70461, USA established collaborative networks, like the Children’s
 Cancer Metastasis Rev

Oncology Group, resulting in a relatively high proportion of 3 Dentistry in new cancer diagnosis
children enrolling in clinical trials [13, 14]. Approximately
60% of children with cancer enroll into clinical trials (thera- 3.1 Oral screening
peutic and observational), while others receive standard ther-
apy established by recent clinical trials [13]. Treatment mo- Children with a new cancer diagnosis should receive a com-
dalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, im- prehensive oral and dental examination prior to commence-
munotherapy, and stem cell transplant. Most children with ment of oncology treatment [24, 26]. This establishes a rela-
cancer are treated using chemotherapy or a combination of tionship between the dentist and the child before the onset of
two or more of these modalities. Childhood cancers tend to oral complications related to cancer treatment. A clinical and
respond well to chemotherapy as they are fast-growing and radiographic evaluation of the oral cavity is performed by the
thus more susceptible to chemotherapy [15]. Many improve- dentist to diagnose diseases of the oral hard and soft tissues,
ments in childhood cancer survival have come from switching including but not limited to dental caries, to establish caries
from monotherapy to multimodality therapy with lower indi- prevention strategies, and to provide anticipatory guidance
vidual drug dosing [15]. related to the oral effects of the cancer and its treatment [24].
Although therapeutic regimens in pediatric cancer are specific Interprofessional communication between the dentist and
to the cancer type, site, staging, histology, and other prognostic the oncology team ensures best patient-related outcomes [14].
factors, tremendous success has been seen in the treatment of The severity of dental caries and/or periodontal disease, nec-
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Specifically, ongoing pe- essary dental treatment, and the presence of any new patho-
diatric leukemia clinical trials at St. Jude Hospitals called for the logic lesions should be discussed between the dentist and the
maximum tolerated dose of chemotherapy, aggressive supportive oncology team [24]. Expeditious dental treatment should be
care, and better CNS prophylaxis (with the delivery of metho- provided with medical clearances and precautions in place
trexate intrathecally) [16]. The standard treatment plan in ALL before cancer therapy commences. A team-based approach
includes several treatment phases, specifically an induction, con- between the dentist and oncology team facilitates dental treat-
solidation, interim maintenance, delayed intensification, and ment without delaying cancer therapy. Building a partnership
maintenance phases (Table 1) [17]. with the patient is also important. Often children and families
Over the past 50 years, the overall survival rate of childhood who have received a new cancer diagnosis are emotionally
cancer has improved from 10% to nearly 90% [18]. However, distraught with the implications of the diagnosis [27], and
the survival rate can be lower for certain cancers, and the number these experiences may elevate dental fear and anxiety in the
of diagnosed cases annually has not declined in nearly 20 years child [28]. Conducting an initial, noninvasive dental appoint-
[19]. Moreover, 60% of children who survive cancer suffer late- ment enables the dentist to perform a thorough oral assess-
effects such as infertility, heart failure, and secondary cancers ment utilizing basic behavior guidance techniques while
[20–23]. Awareness of the possible late effects in pediatric cancer building patient trust.
survivors is important for pediatric and adult providers, physi-
cians, and dentists caring for this population. There are approx- 3.2 Prevention
imately 400,000 adult survivors of children’s cancer in the USA
[17]. The most obvious and prevalent disease in the pediatric oral
cavity is dental cavities or caries [29, 30]. New and untreated
carious lesions can become a debilitating problem once cancer
treatment has commenced [24]. Moreover, neutropenia and/or
2 The role of dentistry in the management thrombocytopenia resulting from cancer therapy present com-
of pediatric cancers plications in performing dental treatment [24, 25]. Educating
caregivers on the preventable pathogenesis of dental caries
Professional oral and dental supervision are critical compo- and providing techniques to ensure routine oral care during
nents of patient-centered care in pediatric cancer therapy [24]. cancer therapy are essential in preventing new carious lesions
Accredited pediatric cancer centers must have pediatric den- [24]. Anticipatory guidance provided at this stage should ad-
tists as team members [14]. The engagement of an oral health dress oral hygiene techniques, age-appropriate quantity of
specialist, such as a pediatric dentist, commences at the time fluoridated toothpaste, and a low-cariogenic diet [24, 31, 32].
of cancer diagnosis and continues through the patient’s life- Periodic professional application of fluoride in the form of
time as a cancer survivor [25]. When a new pediatric cancer fluoride varnish, fluoride gel, or fluoride foam in the dental
diagnosis is established, pediatric dentists screen for dental office should be scheduled on a risk-based frequency [33, 34].
problems that can arise during cancer therapy [24]. The vari- Prescription high-strength fluoride toothpastes containing
ous ways in which dental care intersects with pediatric cancer 5000 ppm of fluoride should be prescribed to patients who
is shown in Fig. 1. can reliably expectorate toothpaste [33]. Fluoride trays can
Cancer Metastasis Rev

Table 1 Format of a basic treatment plan for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Treatment phase Duration Chemotherapies used Route of administration

Induction 29 days ARA-C IT

MTX PO/IT
DEX*, PRED IV/PO
VCR IV
ASP, PEG-ASP IM/IV
DAUN* IV
Consolidation 4–8 weeks MTX IT
6-MP PO
VCR IV
CPM IV
ARA-C IV
PEG-ASP IM/IV
Interim maintenance (IM) 8 weeks# MTX IT
6-MP PO
VCR IV
Delayed intensification (DI) 8 weeks# MTX IT
DEX, PRED PO
6-TG PO
VCR IV
DOXO IV
PEG-ASP IV
CPM IV
ARA-C IV
Maintenance Each cycle lasts for 84 days. Cycles are repeated MTX IT
until the duration of therapy, which is ~ 2 years for VCR IV
girls and ~ 3 years for boys PRED PO
6-MP PO

Formulation of a basic treatment plan for pediatric ALL, according to standard protocols [13, 15–17]. ARA-C cytarabine, MTX methotrexate, DEX
dexamethasone, PRED prednisone, VCR vincristine, ASP asparaginase; PEG-ASP pegylated asparaginase, DAUN daunorubicin, 6-MP mercaptopurine,
CPM cyclophosphamide, 6-TG thioguanine, IT intrathecal, PO oral administration, IV intravenous, IM intramuscular.
*
Treatment is reserved for high-risk ALL patients
#
Repeat course as needed in high-risk patients

be provided for patients who will tolerate wearing them [26]. Radiation introduces new dental care considerations
If the child cannot expectorate, a casein phosphopeptide and for children. Children who receive radiation therapy to
amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) containing prod- the head and neck region may develop trismus (painful
uct such as MI Paste® may be recommended to maintain spasm of muscles of mastication) [36–38]. Physical
surface mineralization of enamel [35]. Flossing is further rec- therapy in the form of stretching exercises for mastica-
ommended to minimize plaque biofilm [24]. Fluoridated tory muscles should ideally be commenced prior to the
alcohol-free mouth rinses are an adjunct to brushing and initiation of radiation therapy and continued beyond its
flossing if the child can swish and spit [24]. Children with completion [24]. Additionally, the feasibility of salivary
plaque-induced gingivitis or periodontal disease should be gland sparing techniques in should be discussed with
prescribed an alcohol-free chlorhexidine mouth rinse (0.12% the radiation oncologist [24].
chlorhexidine gluconate) [24].
Dietary counseling is another key component of oral health 3.3 Dental treatment
care in pediatric cancers and should provide education on low
cariogenic foods with minimal fermentable carbohydrates Should a child who is about to commence cancer therapy need
[34]. Consumption of sweetened beverages such as juices dental procedures such as restorative treatment, periodontal
and sodas must be limited. Snacks between meals should not therapy, or extractions, the pediatric dentist and oncology
contain added sugar [34]. Given the emotional circumstances team must discuss the patient’s anticipated tolerance to dental
of having a child with cancer, parents may be tempted to treatment [24]. Medical parameters which influence dental
provide the child with comfort foods that are typically rich procedures are absolute neutrophil count (ANC), platelet
in sugar or fermentable carbohydrates. Patients and their fam- count, coagulopathies secondary to cancer or treatment, and
ilies should be educated on the importance of avoiding these absolute hemoglobin (Hgb) level [24, 26]. An ANC > 2000/
foods in their diet in order to prevent dental caries and mini- mm3 does not require antibiotic prophylaxis to perform dental
mize cancer treatment-related complications. treatment [24]. By contrast, an ANC of 1000–2000/mm3
 Cancer Metastasis Rev

If the dental treatment is being provided under general

anesthesia, the Hgb level should be at least 10 g/dL [26].
Primary teeth in exfoliative stages should be allowed
to naturally exfoliate [24]. Infected teeth, non-restorable
teeth, root tips, and periodontally compromised teeth
should be extracted 1–2 weeks before initiation of can-
cer therapy to allow adequate time for healing [24].
Root canal treatment for permanent teeth should be
completed at least 1 week prior to initiation of cancer
treatment to ensure healing of the periapical periodontal
tissue [24].
Advances in adhesive dentistry provide the benefit of
minimally invasive conservative restorations for small
carious lesions [24]. Susceptible grooves and fissures
should be sealed to decrease risk for future decay
[39]. A contemporary technique for arresting dental car-
ies is the application of 38% silver diamine fluoride
(SDF) [40]. Repeated applications of SDF can arrest
decay without the need to administer local anesthesia
or mechanically prepare the tooth [40]. However, its
Fig. 1 The role of dentistry in pediatric cancer therapy, prevention, and application results in black discoloration of carious le-
screening. A new cancer diagnosis warrants dental screening, treatment,
and cavity prevention measures. Routine dental care during cancer sions, and the esthetic outcomes must be discussed with
treatment is important to manage oral side effects. Children in remission the guardians during informed consent. Multiple appli-
require continued cavity prevention measures and routine dental care, as cations of topical SDF are a noninvasive caries manage-
well as potentially dentofacial orthopedic care. The dental home is the ment option for medically fragile pediatric patients who
ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all
aspects of oral health care delivered in a comprehensive, continuously may not be medically clear to receive traditional dental
accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way. Components of cancer treatments [24].
relapse prevention related to dental care include reinforcing the HPV Ideally, all necessary dental treatment should be completed
vaccine and encouraging smoking cessation. Future screenings are nec- prior to commencement of cancer treatment [24]. If this is not
essary, as survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for soft tissue
lesions, alveolar lesions, and tooth agenesis feasible due to urgency to begin cancer therapy, the dentist
will have to prioritize the treatment of dental infections, ex-
tractions, periodontal therapy, and elimination of sources of
mucosal irritation [24].
should trigger a consultation with the pediatric oncologist to Some children may have existing orthodontic appliances or
ascertain the need for antibiotic coverage. An ANC < 1000/ space maintainers. Intraoral appliances should be removed if
mm3 indicates an elevated risk for infection from dental pro- they have the potential to cause mucosal or gingival irritation,
cedures, and in these cases, dental treatment should be de- if the potential for mucositis exists, or if oral hygiene is poor
ferred until the ANC is within the desired range [24]. In the [24]. Removable appliances can be worn if the patient can
case of dental emergencies, children may need prophylactic tolerate them and is able to maintain good oral hygiene [41].
antibiotics and hospitalization to complete the necessary treat- A patient undergoing orthodontic treatment at the time of can-
ment [24]. cer diagnosis should have the appliance removed expeditious-
Platelet count identifies the risk for bleeding. Dental ly and use removable orthodontic retainers [24, 41].
extractions as well as anesthetic injections increase the Orthodontic treatment may be resumed after a 2-year event-
risk of bleeding and/or hematoma formation in thrombo- free survival period [24, 42].
cytopenic patients [24, 26]. The risks are significant if the Appliances with metal components should be re-
platelet count is < 75,000/mm3 [24]. In such situations, a moved in children who require multiple magnetic reso-
consultation with the pediatric oncologist is necessary to nance images (MRIs) of the head and neck region (such
determine the need for platelet transfusions and arrange as children with intracranial tumors) to prevent scatter
hospitalization to monitor hemostasis [24]. Should the and artifacts on the MRIs [43]. For this reason, metal
child’s hemoglobin (Hgb) level be below 10 g/dL, the restorations such as silver amalgam restorations and
oncologist should be consulted prior to dental treatment stainless steel crowns are not placed in children who
[26]. In general, red blood cell transfusion may be neces- require repeated MRIs of the head and neck for cancer
sary for children whose Hgb levels are below 7 g/dL [26]. surveillance.
Cancer Metastasis Rev

4 Role of dentistry during cancer treatment clinical manifestations of these infections may be atypical
because of underlying neutropenia [26]. Oral candidiasis and
4.1 Mucositis herpetic infections are often seen in these children [26].
Figure 2b shows candidiasis on the tongue of a 5-year-old
Oral mucositis is likely to develop in 40% of children receiving child who was receiving cancer treatment. Prophylactic nys-
standard-dose chemotherapy, in 80% of patients receiving radia- tatin is ineffective in preventing oral candidiasis [51]. When
tion therapy for head and neck cancers and in 75% of patients oral candidiasis develops in children receiving cancer therapy,
undergoing bone marrow transplantation [24, 26, 44]. Oral mu- nystatin is the first line of medication to be tried, although it
cositis is graded as mild, moderate, or severe based on the pa- may not always resolve the infection [25, 26]. Systemic anti-
tient’s symptoms and clinical presentation. The World Health fungal agents such as amphotericin B may be necessary [51].
Organization Oral Toxicity Scale, shown in Table 2, is a grading Clinicians must keep in mind that the sugar content of the oral
tool which can be used to monitor the severity of mucositis suspension of nystatin is high, and frequent use can increase
during cancer treatment [45]. On this scale, grade 3 and grade caries susceptibility [25, 26].
4 mucositis are considered severe. Oral mucositis interferes with Bacterial infection of the oral mucosa or gingiva should be
patient nutrition, functioning, and tolerance for cancer therapy identified and promptly treated to prevent the onset of fever or
[46]. Patients report it as the most debilitating side effect of can- systemic bacteremia [26]. Localized infections can be man-
cer treatment [47]. Children are thrice more likely than adults to aged with chlorhexidine mouthwash and diligent oral hygiene
develop mucositis, xerostomia, and infections during cancer [26]. If systemic bacteremia from an odontogenic source is
treatment [48]. The clinical image in Fig. 2a exemplifies the onset suspected, an infectious disease specialist should be consulted
of Grade 2 mucositis in an infant receiving cancer therapy. to institute appropriate antibiotic therapy [26].
The mainstay of management of oral mucositis is palliative
care [24, 47]. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to 4.3 Neuropathic pain
prevent and reduce the severity of oral mucositis [49, 50].
Gingival and mucosal tenderness are deterrents to brushing. Children who receive plant alkaloid chemotherapeutic agents
Softening toothbrush bristles in warm water for a few minutes such as vincristine and vinblastine are likely to develop neu-
may facilitate comfort during brushing [24]. Patients who ropathic pain, especially in the mandible [24, 26]. These chil-
have severe mucositis and cannot tolerate a toothbrush may dren complain of deep pain in the jaw and teeth in the absence
use foam brushes as a last resort [24, 26]. Oral cryotherapy, of an odontogenic source of pain [24, 26, 52]. Such neuro-
recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor-1, low-level pathic pain is usually transient in children and diminishes or
laser therapy, sodium bicarbonate rinses, and benzydamine resolves after completion of chemotherapy [24]. In the ab-
mouthwash have evidence-based support for management of sence of a definitive cure for chemotherapy-induced
oral mucositis in patients with cancer [47]. Analgesic medica- neuropathic pain, palliative care may be provided with
tions can be used to treat pain associated with oral mucositis over-the-counter pain medications or patient-controlled
[24, 47]. Topical anesthetics obtund pain for a short duration analgesia [25, 26].
but do not treat the mucositis [24, 47]. Undesirable effects on
cardiovascular and central nervous systems can arise from 4.4 Xerostomia
systemic absorption of the anesthetic from the oral mucosa,
and they should be used judiciously in young children [25]. Children who receive cancer chemotherapy and/or head and
neck radiation therapy develop xerostomia during and beyond
the active treatment phase [24, 26, 53]. Damage to salivary
4.2 Oral infections
glands from medications or ionizing radiation is the underly-
ing cause of xerostomia. Xerostomia increases caries risk,
Children receiving cancer therapy easily develop opportunis-
exacerbates mucositis, and increases risk for oral infections
tic oral infections (fungal, bacterial, and viral) [49]. The
[24, 26]. Use of sugar-free gum, sugar-free mints and loz-
Table 2 WHO Oral Toxicity Scale [45] enges, saliva substitutes, alcohol-free mouthwash, and oral
moisturizers help alleviate xerostomia [24, 26]. Patients with
Mucositis Features xerostomia should also be encouraged to sip water frequently
Grade
through the day [24, 26, 53].
1 Soreness and/or erythema
2 Erythema, ulcers; patient is able to swallow food 4.5 Lip care
3 Ulcers, extensive erythema;patient is unabletoswallow food
4 Mucositis to the extent that alimentation is not possible Children receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy of-
ten develop chapped lips and angular cheilitis. Figure 2C
 Cancer Metastasis Rev

a b c

Fig. 2 (A) Image depicts mucositis in a child receiving cancer treatment. (B) Candidiasis on the tongue of a 5-year-old child following treatment with
cancer therapy. (C) Swelling, ulceration, and crusting of the lower lip in an 8-year-old child actively receiving cancer therapy

shows swelling, ulceration, and crusting of the lower lip in an obliteration, and severe shortening of the roots of all perma-
8-year-old child receiving cancer therapy. Lanolin-based nent teeth in an 18-year-old who is a 16-year neuroblastoma
creams and ointments are more effective in moisturizing the survivor. Orthodontic treatment plans for childhood cancer
lips for these patients than petrolatum-based products [24]. survivors should take these limitations into consideration.

5.2 Dentition
5 Role of dentistry for childhood cancer
survivors Children and adolescents are at elevated risk for developing
long-term dental complications from cancer treatment because
5.1 Craniofacial skeleton childhood is the most active stage of dental development [55].
Since development of primary teeth starts in utero and con-
Exposure to ionizing radiation in childhood can lead to aber- tinues over the next 3 to 4 years, primary tooth germs are
rations in the developing craniofacial complex and malocclu- rarely damaged during cancer therapy [56]. However, the de-
sion with a skeletal etiology [26, 54]. The orthodontic prob- velopment of permanent teeth starts soon after birth and is
lems may be compounded by dental anomalies (tooth agene- completed around the age of 14 to 16 years with the root
sis, microdontia, and blunted roots) [41]. During their teen completion of second molars [56]. This leaves a long window
years, pediatric cancer survivors may desire orthodontic treat- of opportunity for cancer treatment to adversely affect the
ment. However, elevated caries risk from xerostomia and developing permanent dentition. Specific dental manifesta-
enamel hypoplasia may prevent implementation of an ideal tions of childhood cancer treatment include elevated risk for
orthodontic treatment plan. If the teeth have blunted roots, dental caries, xerostomia, tooth agenesis, microdontia, enamel
orthodontic movements can further exacerbate root shortening hypoplasia, and blunting of roots [57–59]. Microdontia and
and cause unfavorable crown-root ratios. The use of light or- blunting of roots can be seen in the patient shown in Fig. 3A.
thodontic forces and compromised orthodontic results should Figure 3B shows dental decay in a child who received radia-
be discussed with the patient and guardians [42]. Figure 3A a tion therapy for maxillary rhabdomyosarcoma when she was
shows dental crowding, malocclusion, pulp chamber 10 years old.

a b c

Fig. 3 (A) Malocclusion, pulp chamber obliteration, and blunted roots of old male with history of Diamond-Blackfan anemia, chemotherapy, and
all permanent teeth in an 18-year-old who is a 16-year neuroblastoma hematopoietic stem cell transplant at the age of 3 years. Tooth agenesis is
survivor. (B) Dental decay in a child who received radiation therapy for shown by red arrows, and microdontia is shown by green arrows
maxillary rhabdomyosarcoma when she was 10 years old. (C) An 8-year-
Cancer Metastasis Rev

The permanent teeth impacted, the severity of dental anom- tissue lesions should be referred to an oral and maxillofacial
alies depend on the age of the child and stage of dental devel- pathologist and surgeon for biopsy.
opment at the time of cancer chemotherapy and/or radiation
therapy, as well as the intensity of cancer therapy [60, 61]. A 5.5 Graft versus host disease
higher incidence of dental anomalies and developmental den-
tal defects is anticipated in children who receive cancer ther- After hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), some chil-
apy before the age of 3 years [61]. A history of hematopoietic dren may develop graft versus host disease (GVHD). In the
stem cell transplantation, use of multiple classes of chemo- past, GVHD was classified as acute or chronic, based on the
therapeutic agents (more than 4), and the use of heavy metal onset of symptoms before or after 100 days from stem cell
agents significantly increase the risk for dental disturbances transplant respectively [26]. With the utilization of different
[55]. Figure 3 c is a panoramic radiograph of an 8-year-old stem cell sources and advances in therapy, this temporal dis-
male with Diamond-Blackfan anemia who received chemo- tinction is no longer accurate [62]. In contemporary care, it is
therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant at the age of preferable to recognize acute GVHD by the clinicopathologi-
3 years. His radiograph shows agenesis of multiple teeth, in- cal constellation of inflammatory dermatitis, enteritis, and
dicated by red arrows, and microdontia of multiple teeth, in- hepatitis [62]. Acute GVHD is a cause of major morbidity
dicated by green arrows. All the affected teeth would be in and mortality in children with HSCT [62].
early formative stages at the age of 3 years based on standard Chronic GVHD tends to be lower in children than in adults
dental developmental norms. [63]. Its occurrence leads to significant morbidity, diminished
quality of life, and decreased overall survival [63]. The medi-
5.3 Trismus and xerostomia an time of onset is 6 months from HSCT, but the onset is
invariably within 3 years post-transplant [63]. The oral cavity
Trismus can persist in patients even after completion of radi- is commonly, involved and erythema, mucositis, xerostomia,
ation treatment [54]. Continuity of stretching exercises can ulcer, mucoceles, and elevated dental caries levels are the
help minimize the oral restrictions due to trismus. Exposure prominent findings [26, 63]. The first line of treatment is
of salivary glands to radiation therapy causes hypofunction high-dose steroids, tapered over time to the lowest allowable
and decreased long-term saliva production. Saliva that is pro- dose without GVHD flare-ups [63].
duced is thick and ropey. All these factors contribute to ele-
vated caries risk in the long-term survival phase as well [54].
The effects of xerostomia can be alleviated with frequent use 6 Role of dentistry in cancer prevention
of alcohol-free mouth rinses and sugar-free mints and loz-
enges. Patients will need to continue use of prescription fluo- Exposure of the oral cavity and oropharynx to human papil-
ride products. lomavirus (HPV) can result in an asymptomatic, transient oral
infection which is cleared by the body’s immune system [64].
5.4 Oral cancer screening However, a small percentage of these oral infections can per-
sist in a dormant state and may lead to benign or malignant
Oral cancer screenings are imperative for survivors of pediat- disease in the future [64]. High-risk HPV types 16 and 18 can
ric cancer, as the oral cavity remains a prominent site for future cause oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and
neoplastic lesions in these patients [24, 54]. Suspicious soft have been reported to be the leading cause of oral SCC in

a b

Fig. 4 Image (A) and radiograph (B) of excessive spacing in the dentition of an 11-year-old child and the dental radiograph confirming the congenital
absence of the right maxillary lateral incisor highlighted by red arrow
 Cancer Metastasis Rev

North America [64–66]. The American Dental Association been associated with TA. TA can be detected within
[67], the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry [68], and the first decade of life and enables health-care providers
the American Academy of Pediatrics [69] support the admin- to discuss future neoplastic risks and need for active
istration of the HPV vaccine as a safe and effective method to surveillances [74].
reduce HPV-related oral infections and cancer. Reinforcing
HPV vaccination for boys and girls according the CDC im-
munization schedule of two doses at age 11 or 12 years [70] is
8 Conclusion
important not only to prevent cervical and other cancers of the
reproductive system but also for preventing oropharyngeal
Oral health care is imperative for children who have been
cancer. Dental visits for adolescents also incorporate discus-
diagnosed with cancer. Resolution of untreated dental caries,
sions and counseling on cessation of tobacco products, alco-
periodontal problems, and oral pathologic lesions should be
hol, and other substances for potential of abuse for overall
achieved before commencement of cancer therapy. Oral com-
health and cancer prevention.
plications such as mucositis and infections should be antici-
pated during cancer treatment. As the survival rates of child-
hood cancers improve, it is important for these patients to have
7 Role of dentistry in screening for cancer risk an established dental home where long-term oral and dental
factors complications of cancer treatment, such as dental anomalies,
orthodontic problems, and risk for oral cancer and salivary
Oral health professionals are uniquely poised to evaluate ab-
gland tumors, can be appropriately managed. The oral health
normalities in oral soft tissue, alveolar bone, and teeth in chil-
profession plays an important role in reinforcing cancer pre-
dren which can indicate an elevated risk for neoplasia in later
vention strategies and in screening oral and systemic factors
life. Communicating these findings with physicians is impor-
for future risk for cancers. Interprofessional collaborative care
tant to establishing a lifetime risk for future neoplastic lesions.
between the dental and medical team is imperative in all
Oral cancer screening is an integral component of all dental
phases of care for children diagnosed with cancer and for
examinations and includes assessment of precancerous oral
children diagnosed with risk factors for future neoplasia.
lesions as well, such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral
submucous fibrosis, and lichen planus [71]. A history of radi-
ation therapy to the head and neck for treatment of cancer,
unfortunately, also increases the risk for oral cancer and sali-
vary gland tumors in the future [72]. The cumulative risk is References
positively associated with radiation dose and underscores the
importance of regular dental appointments in childhood can- 1. Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., & Jemal, A. (2018). Cancer statistics,
2018. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 68(1), 7–30. https://
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