Dental caries after radiotherapy of the oral regions

• Published in: The Journal of the American Dental Association (1939) Vol. 91; no. 4; p. 838
• Main Authors: Karmiol, M, Walsh, R F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.10.1975
• Subjects: Adult; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - radiotherapy; Dental Caries - etiology; Dental Enamel - radiation effects; Dentin - radiation effects; Epiglottis; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Male; Middle Aged; Palatal Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Pharyngeal Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Radiation Injuries - etiology; Radiotherapy - adverse effects; Saliva - radiation effects; Salivary Glands - radiation effects; Secretory Rate - radiation effects; Tongue Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Tonsillar Neoplasms - radiotherapy
• ISSN: 0002-8177; 1943-4723
• DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.1975.0493

Five cases of dental caries after radiation therapy of the oral regions for treatment of carcinomas are presented. The differences in clinical appearance and behavior between radiation caries and ordinary smooth-surface dental caries are described. The role of salivary gland irradiation and the resultant xerostomia in the development of these lesions is discussed. Some explanations are offered as to how these lesions develop in the light of current knowledge concerning plaque and the development of dental caries. Several measures that may be taken to reduce the incidence and severity of these lesions are suggested.