Evaluation of an Oral Care Programme for Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Evaluation of an Oral Care Programme for Patients Undergoing Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer Regarding Mucositis, Oral Health, Epigenetic Modifications, Patient-related Factors, Quality of Life and Health Economy

This study will evaluate the effect of an intensified oral care programme on prevalence, severity and duration of mucositis in patients undergoing treatment for cancer in the head and neck region.

Patients in the control group get professional oral care once a week.

This study will evaluate the effect of an oral care programme on prevalence, severity and duration of mucositis in patients undergoing treatment for cancer in the head and neck region. The oral care programme consists of professional oral care and swabbing of the mucosal membranes with a saline/bicarbonate solution once a week. The patients are instructed to rinse with a saline/bicarbonate solution 5 times per day. They are given an oral care diary to help them keep track of their daily oral hygiene measures and rinses. Repeated oral hygiene instructions are given if needed.

Patients in the control group get professional oral care once a week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled to receive full dose of curative RT including major salivary glands in the radiation field

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with recurrent cancer
• Patients with severe cognitive impairment.