Oral Toxicity Produced by Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review

This systematic review from 2014 examined the oral toxic effects of chemotherapy, highlighting its impact on both cancerous and rapidly multiplying normal cells, such as those in the oral mucosa. The study identified 333 relevant articles and found that chemotherapy could lead to complications like mucositis, osteonecrosis of the jaws, increased infection risk, dental alterations, salivary and neurological disorders, dysgeusia, and bleeding tendencies. These side effects significantly affected patients' quality of life and could be life-threatening. The review concluded that assessing patients' oral and dental health before chemotherapy was crucial to reducing the risk of these complications.