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Open Access Journal of Dental and Oral Surgery
[ ISSN : 2833-0994 ]


Oral Health in Cancer Patients After Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy: DMFT Index Findings

Research Article
Volume 6 - Issue 1 | Article DOI : 10.54026/OAJDOS/1085


Fatma Yuce1* and Cansu Buyuk2

1Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Istanbul Kent University, Türkiye
2Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye

Corresponding Authors

Fatma Yuce, Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Istanbul Kent University, Türkiye

Keywords

DMFT; Cancer; Radiotherapy; Chemotherapy

Received : October 31, 2025
Published : November 10, 2025

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between the DMFT (decayed, missing, filled) index in cancer patients with variables such as cancer type and treatment type.

Material and method: Cancer patients who were examined in the Okan University Faculty of Dentistry between 2021 2023 and underwent radiotherapy/chemotherapy (RT/CT) were detected retrospectively via system. Patients with a history of cancer; demographic information, type of cancer, time spent on treatment, type of treatment (RT/CT/RT+CT), and DMFT index determined. A control group was formed, and demographic information and DMFT index were noted. All results were analyzed using IBM SPSS, and p

Results: 102 individuals (33 males 69 females) with a history of cancer, mean age 56; the control group consisted of 110 individuals (61 males 49 females) with an average age of 50 years. The most common type of cancer was breast cancer (45%). There was no significant difference in D/M/F and DMFT index of cancer treatment types. The DMFT index determined a significant difference between healthy and cancer patients (p<0.05). While the incidence of caries did not show a significant difference between healthy and cancer patients, the number of missing and filled teeth showed a significant difference. The DMFT index has a significant relationship with age and time since treatment but is insignificant with cancer types.

Conclusion: Regardless of cancer history, types, and treatment modality, it has a significant effect on the DMFT index.