Explorative study on mucosal and major salivary secretion rates, caries and plaque microflora in head and neck cancer patients.

Abstract

To analyse mucosal and major salivary secretion rates, caries and plaque microflora in connection with treatment for cancer in the head and neck region. Thirty-three patients were included and the number of teeth, filled surfaces and caries lesions registered. The labial and buccal gland secretion and stimulated whole salivary secretion rates were determined. Supragingival plaque microflora was analysed using cultivation technique. Data were collected pretreatment, during treatment and 6months, 1year and 2years post-treatment. Two years post-treatment, 36% had new caries lesions, which had been restored. The labial secretion was comparable with pretreatment, while the buccal secretion was lower (P<.001). The stimulated secretion rate was lower compared with pretreatment (P<.001) and was ≤0.7mL/minute for 50%. Growth of lactobacilli increased during treatment (P<.001) and remained increased (P<.001), while growth of mutans streptococci was decreased (P<.01) 2years post-treatment. Growth of Candida increased over time and was higher 2years post-treatment compared with pretreatment (P<.001) while growth of Prevotella was lower (P<.01). Two years post-treatment, the stimulated salivary secretion rate was substantially decreased, acid-tolerant lactobacilli and Candida increased, acid-sensitive microorganisms decreased, and the caries prevalence was low.