An Investigation into the Prevalence and Treatment of Oral Mucositis After Cancer Treatment

 Oral mucositis is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatments, which affects all the patients receiving radiation treatment. Oral and oropharyngeal mucosa are involved in the treatment process. Also known as stomatitis, oral mucositis is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatments, which is associated with cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is estimated that this complication affects about 40% of the patients. Mucositis occurs when cancer treatments collapse the epithelial cells. Some of the main symptoms of mucositis include pain, discomfort, and inability to consume food or fluids. Severe mucositis may delay the treatment and hinder the efficacy of cancer treatment. Patients suffering from reduced immunity and damaged oral mucosa are prone to mouth infections. Several treatment agents can be used to reduce the lesions of mucositis. Given the fact that natural herbal remedies have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, they are commonly used to treat mucositis.

In this regard, the Best Practice Information Sheet aims at not only providing evidence on the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis but also at evaluating the efficacy of natural agents for managing oral mucositis, particularly in patients with cancer.

 Although these agents have been used to reduce the severity of intolerable mucositis pain, there is yet no definitive treatment. Some agents are not cost-effective and some involve adverse side effects.

 The present study showed that new traditional alternative medicines are promising alternatives for treating cancer-induced mucositis. It is recommended that dentists use these agents in clinical practice.