Case-control study of oral disease indexes in individuals with head and neck cancer after antineoplastic therapy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the oral health of patients with head and neck cancer after antineoplastic treatment, and to compare them with patients with no history of cancer. METHODS: A total of 75 patients, divided into Study Group, composed of individuals after antineoplastic treatment (n=30), and Control Group, with individuals with no history of cancer (n=45), aged 37 to 79 years. The oral health status was evaluated through the index of decayed, missing or filled permanent teeth (DMFT), community periodontal index and evaluation of the use and need of prosthesis. All of these items were evaluated according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization. The statistical analysis was descriptive and used the Pearson’s χ(2) test. RESULTS: The community periodontal index was higher in the Study Group when compared to the Control Group (p<0.0001). The need for an upper (p<0.001) and lower (p<0.0001) prostheses was higher in the Study Group. Also, the use of upper prosthesis was higher in the Study Group (p<0.002). The missing or filled permanent teeth index between the two groups (p>0.0506) and the use of lower prosthesis (p>0.214) did not present a relevant statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease and edentulism are the most significant changes in individuals who received antineoplastic therapy for head and neck cancer as well as greater need for oral rehabilitation.