THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH IN CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Oral health plays a fundamental role in the care of cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunosuppressive therapies. Oral complications such as mucositis, xerostomia, and infections are common in these treatments and may compromise therapeutic effectiveness while negatively affecting patients' physical, emotional, and nutritional well-being. This study reviewed publications from 2020 to 2025 using databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS, revealing a growing recognition of the importance of dental care in oncology. The results show significant advances in preventive and therapeutic strategies focused on managing oral side effects of cancer treatments. Early detection of these complications, combined with multidisciplinary teamwork, has proven effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. However, the lack of standardized protocols and individual variability in treatment responses remain significant challenges. It is concluded that the inclusion of dental care in oncology protocols—particularly for head and neck cancer cases—is essential. Personalized care and the use of diagnostic and preventive technologies contribute to more effective therapeutic outcomes and to the overall well-being of patients during and after cancer treatment.