Algorithm for dental treatment in children with malignant diseases

Abstract

The growing incidence of childhood malignancies has led to a steady and rapid increase in the number of scientific publications over the last decade. Assessment of oral status and dental treatment are important for all children, but are especially important for children with malignancies. Problems with dental and oral care in these children occur at different stages of the treatment of malignancy. The aim of the present study is to propose an algorithm for dental treatment based on the performed analyzes of children with malignant diseases. These guidelines recommend that children with cancer undergo a dental examination before starting treatment. Preliminary dental examination facilitates the establishment of a connection between the dentist and the child with malignancy before the onset of oral complications associated with the therapy. The study includes clinical and radiographic evaluation of the oral cavity, which enables the pediatric dentist to develop strategies for caries prevention and to predict the future development of oral status based on the child‘s medical diagnosis and upcoming treatments. It is necessary to create a collaboration between the pediatric dentist and the medical team responsible for the child‘s underlying disease. This communication should include information on the severity of dental caries, the invasiveness of the proposed dental treatment and the presence of pathological lesions, if any.