DENTAL MANAGEMENT IN PALLIATIVE CARE OF PATIENTS WITH ORAL CANCER

Abstract

For cancer patients, maintaining a state of health without further complications is essential and the well-being of the mouth is closely related to a condition of good health. It should also be considered that the cancer patient can have negative consequences on the teeth due to the effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The objective of this work was to demonstrate the importance of dental management in palliative care of patients with oral cancer, through a literature review. Palliative care teams are formed by professionals from different areas of health to achieve a comprehensive approach. The dentist can play an important role, since the mouth, the organ of expression, is often affected in the late stages of oncological diseases. In addition, it is considered that the dental surgeon plays a fundamental role in the education of other people involved in this management, oral health is a functional and emotional obligation strongly related to the quality of life, being essential the integration of more dentists in the continuing care plan.