Effects of radiotherapy on salivary gland function in patients with head and neck cancers

Abstract

Background/purpose: We explored changes in salivary gland function of head-and-neck cancer patients after radiotherapy, including pH of saliva, stimulated salivary flow rate, and saliva buffering capacity. The pH of saliva included that of parotid gland, submaxillary gland, and total resting saliva. We also investigated whether the acidity of dental plaque lowered pH of saliva. Materials and methods: From a total of 62 patients, 11 had repeated measurements taken before and every month after radiotherapy. The remaining 51 patients had a single measurement taken after radiotherapy. Seven normal patients served as the control group. Results: In the repeated measurement group, all examinations decreased dramatically in the 1st month after radiotherapy (P 5 years after radiotherapy group. Conclusion: Our results indicated that oral hygiene care is important especially during the early period after radiotherapy.

Keywords

• buffering capacity
• dental plaque
• head and neck cancer
• radiotherapy
• saliva