Association of xerostomia and taste alterations of patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy: A cause for nutritional concern.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The symptoms of xerostomia and taste alteration are adverse effects which frequently occur in patients under chemotherapy and once associated they can potentially impair their nutritional status. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of xerostomia and taste alterations in patients being treated by neoplastic chemotherapy. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled to receive neoplastic chemotherapy were followed for their first two chemotherapy cycles for solid tumors and the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration Scale (CiTAS) was adopted. Xerostomia was defined by the presence of dry mouth complaints reported by the patients and signs of hyposalivation identified during the intraoral examination. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients, 33 were women, mean age; 61,48 ± 9,07 years, and 17 were men, mean age; 57,35 ± 11,50 years. The most common tumor was located in the breast affecting 15 patients (30%). The Mann-Whitney test showed that the mean scores of CiTAS were significantly higher for those patients who reported having xerostomia when compared with those without xerostomia after the first two chemotherapy cycles. The cofounding variables such as age, smoking habits and use of antidepressants were not statistically associated with taste alterations (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Taste alterations were worse for patients who complained of xerostomia during the first two cycles of antineoplastic chemotherapy and the association of both symptoms can potentially impair their nutritional status and quality of life.

Oral Health of Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the oral health conditions of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups were selected: a test group comprising 51 individuals with ADHD and a control group with 50 individuals without ADHD, with ages ranging from 7 to 14 years. Through an intraoral clinical examination, the numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index), the visible plaque index (VPI), the gingival bleeding index (GBI), bruxism, and dental traumatism were verified. A questionnaire confirmed oral hygiene supervision. RESULTS: In the test group, the average DMFT index was 3.41 while it was 2.52 in the control group (p = 0.405). The VPI in the test and control groups was 36.84% and 24.54%, respectively (p = 0.004). The GBI was 8.37% for the test group and 4.94% for the control group (p = 0.012). The DMFT index when supervised the oral hygiene by those responsible in comparison with the nonsupervision was 1.89 and 4.31, respectively, in the test group, and 1.71 and 2.94, respectively, in the control group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that children and adolescents with ADHD present with worse oral health conditions and need greater attention from dental professionals and those responsible for their diet and oral hygiene. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder needs a special attention. This research brings this important issue focus on oral health. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Begnini GJ, Brancher JA, Guimarães ATB, et al. Oral Health of Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(6):543-547.