The oral health status of pre-treatment head and neck cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: It is sometimes stated anecdotally that patients with head and neck cancer have poor oral health at the time of oncology diagnosis; however, there is little data in the literature to confirm or refute this claim. AIM: To assess, in the first UK study of its type, the oral health status of 100 patients attending for a dental assessment at a single centre before head and neck cancer treatment was commenced. SUBJECTS: Sixty-six male patients and 34 female patients were included. RESULTS: Of all 100 patients, 2% (2/100) were edentulous. Of the dentate patients, 71% (70/98) were clinically diagnosed with periodontal disease. Fifty-one percent (50/98) had a maximum probing pocket depth in excess of 6 mm. The mean number of carious teeth per dentate subject was 2.4 (95% C.I. 1.6-3.1). Sixty-one percent (60/98) of dentate patients presented with one or more carious teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Within this cohort, head and neck cancer patients had poor oral health at the time of oncology diagnosis, with caries and periodontal disease being important clinical issues. The implications for the dental management of these patients are discussed.