Association between tamoxifen and tooth loss in women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate the effect of tamoxifen on the occurrence of tooth loss (TL) in breast cancer (BC) survivors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 BC survivors using tamoxifen therapy. Sociodemographic, medical, and dental data were evaluated. TL was determined using the M component of the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Logistic regression models were run to determine associations between the independent variables and outcome (TL). RESULTS: Mean TL was 12.96 (SD 8.88). Only three participants had lost no teeth and 10.7% were completely edentulous. Participants who used tamoxifen for more than 1 year had a higher mean missing teeth (13.99 vs. 10.45; P = 0.030). After the adjustments, the occurrence of more than 12 missing teeth was 2.75-fold higher among women who used tamoxifen for more than 1 year (95% CI: 1.06-7.12). Moreover, age over 65 years, referral for treatment by the public healthcare system, less use of dental services, xerostomia, and a lower occurrence of dental caries remained associated with the loss of more than 12 teeth. CONCLUSION: Longer use of tamoxifen was associated with greater tooth loss in breast cancer survivors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on estimates of the increase in cases of breast cancer, the prolonged use of tamoxifen for the treatment of this disease can exert an impact on oral health through the occurrence of tooth loss. These findings can contribute to the planning and implementation of oral health care and prevention strategies for such patients.

Oral lesions and associated factors in breast cancer survivors.

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of oral lesions (OL) and associated factors among survivors of breast cancer (BC). METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 150 BC survivors was conducted at a public hospital in southern Brazil. Data were collected on socioeconomic aspects, treatment characteristics and oral problems. The decayed, missing and filled teeth index and the occurrence of OL were evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to determine independent variables associated with the outcome. RESULTS: 24% of the women had at least 1 OL and 33.3% of these had more than one lesion. Melanotic macule was the most prevalent lesion. Duration of tamoxifen use, radiotherapy, missing teeth and xerostomia were associated with the occurrence of OL (P < .05). In the adjusted analysis, women with more than 13 missing teeth and xerostomia had 2.39-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-5.40) and 2.71-fold (95% CI, 1.14-6.42), respectively, greater odds of exhibiting OL. CONCLUSION: Approximately 1/4 of the BC survivors exhibited OL, which were associated with tooth loss and xerostomia. These findings could assist in the establishment of oral health strategies for women with BC.