RESUMO
Background: General dentistry care is of paramount importance in maintaining oral hygiene of cancer patients. Methods: The data of patients registered at the dental wing in a tertiary care cancer center for one year period (2013) was used for the present analysis. All the cases were retrospectively analyzed for the pattern of referral, diagnosis of different oro-dental conditions, and different interventions done for the various oro-dental conditions. Results: A total of 798 patients were referred from various oncology wings for management of oro-dental problems, 50.1% patients were referred from head and neck oncology, 31% were from radiation department, 6.2% patients were from medical oncology and palliative care department each, 4% patients were from gynecologic oncology, and 2.5% patients were from screening wing. Acute gingivitis (62%) in pre treatment and mucositis (28%) in post treatment were major symptoms and signs for referral. 47% patients were managed with tooth extraction, grinding was done on 23%, scaling were done on 12.5%, desensitization was done on 8.7% patients, filling was done on 2.5% patients, prosthesis fitting in 2.5% patients, root canal treatment in 2.2% patients, and post surgical obturator fittings in 0.75% patients. Conclusion: Majority of cancer patients were referred for oro-dental care from head and neck oncology department with head and neck cancers and extraction of tooth pre radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains an important part of oro-dental care in cancer patients.
RESUMO
El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los factores asociados al uso de prótesis dentales o a problemas orales en dientes o encías al usar las prótesis dentales en adultos mayores de origen México Americanos del estudio EPESE (Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly) hispano en los Estados Unidos. Se hizo un análisis transversal incluyendo 2992 hombres y mujeres de 65 años o mas entrevistados durante 1993-1994. El 44% de los ancianos reportaron el uso de prótesis dentales parciales o totales. Dentro de las personas que usan prótesis dentales, el 21% reportaron problemas orales con los dientes o las encías al comer. En análisis multivariados, las limitaciones en actividades instrumentales de vida diaria (AIVD) (odds ratios=OR 1.23, intervalo de confianza=IC 95% 1.04-1.45) estuvieron asociados con el uso de las prótesis orales. También, dentro de las personas que usan prótesis dentales, los síntomas depresivos aumentados (OR 1.42, IC 95% 1.04-1.95) y las limitaciones funcionales en AIVD (OR 1.58, IC 95% 1.15-2.17) estuvieron asociados a problemas orales con los dientes o las encías al comer. En conclusión, factores que usualmente afectan la calidad de vida en los adultos mayores, tales como la dependencia funcional y la depresión, están asociados al uso de prótesis dentales o a problemas orales en dientes o encías al usar las prótesis dentales.
The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with using dental prosthesis or oral problems related to their use among older Mexican Americans of the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly EPESE) in the United States. A cross-sectional analysis was made with data of 2992 men and women aged 65 years and older interviewed during 1993-1994. Forty four % of subjects reported the use of partial or total dental prosthesis. Among those using dental prosthesis, 21% reported problems with teeth or gums when eating. In multivariate analyses, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) limitations were associated with using dental prosthesis (OR = 1.23, 95% confidence interval - CI = 1.04-1.45). Also, among subjects using dental prosthesis, increased depressive symptoms (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.04-1.95) and IADL limitations (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.15-2.17) were associated with problems with teeth or gums when eating. In conclusion, factors usually affecting quality of life in older persons such as functional dependency and depression are associated with using dental prosthesis or oral problems with teeth or gums when eating.