ABSTRACT
The presence of a healthy mouth prior to radiotherapy or chemotherapy reduces a patient's risk of post-treatment complications. Oral complications in cancer patients receiving cytotoxic therapy can lead to systemic involvement. S,6 The oral cavity should be evaluated in all advanced disease patients, regardless of their primary diagnosis. Preventing and treating oral complications seen in this population is important. Anticipating primary and secondary mucosal insults and recognizing oral complications promptly can decrease the incidence of complications or ameliorate their morbid effects. A thorough oral examination and treatment following ·established guidelines can correct potential clinical and radiographic pathology before this occurs. 7-9
The general term stomatitis can be applied when mucosal integrity has been lost due to local trauma, i.e., biting, denture irritation, or infection. 10 Treatment usually consists of smoothing rough teeth, prescribing mucosal toothguards, and stressing to the patient the importance of a soft diet in order to decrease functional irritation and trauma. 8-10 Prostheses can cause or exacerbate stomatitis by producing traumatic wounds as well as providing a sanctuary for microorganisms by shielding the mucosa from oral hygiene or appropriate topical medication rinses. 11 In addition, dentures can hold the microbes in close proximity to any lesion that may develop under the dentures. Stomatitis often is preventable or can be corrected with dental or antimicrobial treatment.
