What is radiation induced xerostomia?
Abstract. A dry mouth or xerostomia is one of the most common complications during and after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, because irreparable damage is caused to the salivary glands, which are included in the radiation fields.
Why is xerostomia caused by radiation therapy?
Abstract. Xerostomia, or oral dryness, is one of the most common complaints experienced by patients who have had radiotherapy of the oral cavity and neck region. The hallmarks of radiation-induced damage are acinar atrophy and chronic inflammation of the salivary glands.
Does radiation Affect salivary glands?
High-radiation dose can damage salivary glands and lead to xerostomia (oral dryness owing to reduced salivary secretion from the impaired salivary glands). Saliva is produced by acinar cells, drained to the excretory duct though ductal cells and finally secreted into the oral cavity [1].
How do you repair salivary glands after radiation?
Saliva substitutes and mouth rinses. Other ways to stimulate the salivary glands, such as sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum. Medicines that stimulate the salivary glands, such as pilocarpine (Salagen) or cevimeline (Evoxac). Acupuncture after radiation therapy in people with head and neck cancer.
Can damaged salivary glands be repaired?
Hoffman says, was that not only is it possible to restore salivary gland function using gene therapy, but the therapy can also be used preventively if it is initiated before radiation treatment.
What are the effects of radiotherapy on the oral mucosa bone salivary glands and the dentition?
Some of the complications of radiotherapy are mucositis, xerostomia, dental caries, loss of taste, trismus, infection and osteoradionecrosis. This review describes the effect of radiotherapy on the oral cavity and highlight the prevention and treatment options available for these complications.
Can radiotherapy affect your teeth?
Radiotherapy increases your risk of dental decay. Fluoride helps prevent decay by hardening the teeth. Harder teeth resist decay more effectively.
How long does it take for salivary glands to heal after radiation?
The unstimulated saliva flow rates are significantly lower than the stimulated flow rates. They also show a dose response relationship. However the process of recovery does not start until at least 12 months after radiation and the flow rates do not return to the original pre treatment levels even after 24 months.
How can you tell if your salivary glands are damaged?
Saliva drains into the mouth through small tubes called ducts. When there is a problem with the salivary glands or ducts, you may have symptoms such as salivary gland swelling, dry mouth, pain, fever, and foul-tasting drainage into the mouth.
Do salivary glands recover after radiation?
It can take 6 months or longer after radiation therapy ends for the salivary glands to start producing saliva again. Dry mouth often improves during the first year after radiation treatment. But many people continue to have some level of long-term dry mouth.
What are some common oral infections associated with radiation therapy?
Common oral complications of head and neck cancer radiation therapy: mucositis, infections, saliva change, fibrosis, sensory dysfunctions, dental caries, periodontal disease, and osteoradionecrosis – PMC. The .
Does radiation cause dental caries?
Radiation caries is defined as tooth decay that results from radiation-induced dry mouth (xerostomia). The increased incidence of tooth decay in postradiation patients is caused by radiation to the major salivary glands and is not due to radiation of individual teeth.
Can radiation cause brittle teeth?
But radiation to the head and neck can harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; glands that make saliva (spit); and jaw bones.
What is the most damaging type of radiation?
Gamma rays
Gamma rays are the most harmful external hazard. Beta particles can partially penetrate skin, causing “beta burns”. Alpha particles cannot penetrate intact skin. Gamma and x-rays can pass through a person damaging cells in their path.
What are the most common sources of damaging radiation?
6 Radiation Sources in Our Daily Lives
- Gadgets and Household Goods.
- Plane Travel.
- Medical Imaging.
- Cigarette Smoking.
What are the risks of irradiated teeth?
Irradiated patients are at increased risk for the development of a rapid, rampant carious process known as radiation caries.[6] Caries frequently becomes severe in the cervical and incisal edges of teeth and, if left untreated, can progress rapidly to involve the pulp.[5]
What are the risks of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer?
Patients undergoing radiotherapy for HNCs are prone to dental complications. Radiotherapy to the head and neck region causes xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction which dramatically increases the risk of dental caries and its sequelae.
Does radiotherapy lead to hyposalivation?
CONCLUSION Radiotherapy leads to changes in dentition, saliva and oral microflora of HNC patients. Radiation caries has multifactorial etiology, but hyposalivation remains the primary cause.
What are the etiologies of radiation caries?
Etiological aspects of radiation caries RT to the head and neck causes salivary gland dysfunction and xerostomia which increases the risk of dental caries and its sequelae. RT also affects the dental hard tissues increasing their susceptibility to demineralization.[7]