Protecting oral health in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy

Title: Protecting oral health in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract:

Background: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy, accounting for nearly 30% of pediatric cancers. While survival rates have improved significantly, chemotherapy often leads to oral complications that negatively affect quality of life.
Methods: This study included 34 children (aged 2–14 years) diagnosed with ALL. Clinical oral examinations were conducted using OHI-S, Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and deft/DMFT indices. Preventive oral care, including professional prophylaxis and fluoride application, was provided before, during, and after chemotherapy.
Results: The mean age was 7.70 ± 3.03 years. Following chemotherapy, 91.2% of patients developed oral complications, including dental caries (55.9%), tooth sensitivity (32.4%), and gingival problems (2.9%). Preventive fluoride therapy resulted in improvement in 74% of patients, including arrest of caries progression and reduction in sensitivity. However, 26% showed no improvement (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Oral complications are highly prevalent in children with ALL undergoing chemotherapy. Preventive strategies, particularly fluoride therapy and regular monitoring, play a vital role in improving oral health outcomes and should be integrated into comprehensive cancer care.

Biography:

Jebun Nessa is a founder chairman of Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, BSM Medical University, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. Founder President of Bangladesh Association of Pediatric Dentistry (BAPD). She passed BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) in 1982 from Dhaka Dental College. In 1987 she got her DDS (Post Graduate Diploma in Dental Surgery) from the University of Dhaka. In 1992 she got her Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care from the University of Western Australia and MPH from the University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. She is currently retired from her job where she worked as a professor and chairman of Department of Pediatric Dentistry, BSM Medical University, Shahbagh, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.