The effects of an integrated supportive programme on oral health in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesThis study determines the effect of an integrated 12‐month follow‐up support programme on the oral health of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who received radiotherapy (RT).MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 47) or a control group (n = 45). The intervention group received usual care and an integrated supportive programme, which included face‐to‐face education and telephone coaching. The control group received usual care. After a clinical dental examination, the prevalence of caries, gingival inflammation and plaque were registered. Oral health impact profile (OHIP)‐14 and the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults were used to evaluate oral health in both groups.ResultsA total of 79 participants completed a 12‐month follow‐up. The intervention group had lower caries increment between baseline and the 12‐month follow‐up compared with controls, although this was not statistically significant. After 12 months, the intervention group had statistically significant better outcomes in the plaque index (p = 0.038) and the OHIP‐14 (p = 0.002) than the control group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups concerning gingival index. However, the intervention group reported an overall better state of teeth (p = 0.034) and gums after 12 months (p = 0.042).ConclusionsThe integrated supportive programme showed positive effects on improving oral health in patients with HNC regarding plaque control, the state of teeth and gums and oral health‐related quality of life during the 12‐month follow‐up.