EC Paediatrics

Review Article Volume 14 Issue 5 - 2025

Pediatric Oncology and Oral Health: Managing Challenges Through Evidence-Based Review

Natavan Yagubova1 and Hulya Cerci Akcay2*

1Faculty of Dentistry, Kocaeli Health and Technology University, Kocaeli, Turkey
2Department of Pedodontics, Kocaeli Health and Technology University, Kocaeli, Turkey

*Corresponding Author: Hulya Cerci Akcay, Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Kocaeli Health and Technology University, Koaceli, Turkey.
Received: April 03, 2025; Published: April 14, 2025



Pediatric oncology patients are at significant risk of developing oral and dental complications during and after cancer treatment. These complications, including mucositis, xerostomia, infections, and nutritional difficulties, can adversely affect both quality of life and treatment compliance. As survival rates improve in childhood cancers, long-term management of treatment-related morbidities has become increasingly important. This review aims to identify the oral complications that occur during and after cancer therapy in pediatric patients and to emphasize the importance of early and continuous dental care. A multidisciplinary approach-encompassing pediatric dentists, oncologists, nurses, and caregivers-is essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal outcomes. International clinical guidelines provide structured protocols that support collaborative care. Increasing awareness among healthcare professionals about integrated oral care can greatly improve the physical and psychological well-being of pediatric cancer patients.

 Keywords: Pediatric Oncology; Oral Complications; Dental Care; Multidisciplinary Collaboration; Supportive Oncology

  1. Gandhi K., et al. “Prevalence of oral complications occurring in a population of pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy”. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry2 (2017): 166-171.
  2. Ritwik P. “Dental care for patients with childhood cancers”. Ochsner Journal4 (2018): 351-357.
  3. Özyılkan D. “Oral and dental health in pediatric oncology patients”. Cyprus Journal of Medical Sciences5 (2024): 297-301.
  4. Kerbage C., et al. “Comparison of oral health characteristics in pediatric cancer and cancer-free patients: A multicenter study”. Pediatric Dental Journal2 (2023): 139-146.
  5. Bezerra PMM., et al. “The impact of oral health education on the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in pediatric cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis”. Supportive Care in Cancer11 (2022): 8819-8829.
  6. Ritwik P and Chrisentery-Singleton TE. “Oral and dental considerations in pediatric cancers”. Cancer Metastasis Review1 (2020): 43-53.
  7. Chen M., et al. “Residential exposure to pesticide during childhood and childhood cancers: A meta-analysis”. Pediatrics4 (2015): 719-729.
  8. Alamoudi RM., et al. “Oral health challenges in pediatric oncology patients”. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health10 (2024): 4097-4100.
  9. Vahidi N., et al. “Osteoradionecrosis of the midface and mandible: Pathogenesis and management”. Seminars in Plastic Surgery4 (2020): 232-244.
  10. Hong CH., et al. “A systematic review of dental disease management in cancer patients”. Supportive Care in Cancer1 (2018): 155-174.
  11. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. “Dental management of pediatric patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy and/or head and neck radiation”. In the reference manual of Pediatric Dentistry, Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (2024): 545-553.
  12. Elad S., et al. “MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy”. Cancer19 (2020): 4423-4431.
  13. Carreón-Burciaga RG., et al. “Severity of oral mucositis in children following chemotherapy and radiotherapy and its implications at a single oncology centre in Durango State, Mexico”. International Journal of Pediatrics (2018): 3252765.
  14. Lalla RV., et al. “MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy”. Cancer10 (2014): 1453-1461.
  15. Stolze J., et al. “Self-reported outcomes on oral health and oral health-related quality of life in long-term childhood cancer survivors-A DCCSS-LATER 2 Study”. Supportive Care in Cancer6 (2023): 344.
  16. Ward MC., et al. “Oncologists’ perspective on dental care around the treatment of head and neck cancer: a pattern of practice survey”. JCO Oncology Practice1 (2022): e28-e35.

Natavan Yagubova and Hulya Cerci Akcay. "Pediatric Oncology and Oral Health: Managing Challenges Through Evidence-Based Review". EC Paediatrics 14.5 (2025): 01-05.