Since dental problems in children with cancer can occur as a result of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, in pediatric cancer treatment centers such as MAHAK Hospital and in order to maintain the quality of life of children, the dental team together with the other doctors must promote the treatment process.
The dental department of MAHAK opened its operations in 2008 with the help of benefactors, the parents of undertreated children at MAHAK who were dentists, and the interest of the officials of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science (SMBU) School of Dentistry and support the late Prof. Parvaneh Vossough and MAHAK Charity. Currently, a team of staff and volunteer dentists provides MAHAK children, including those in treatment or survivors with dental care.
Dental complications are more likely to occur in children who receive chemotherapy before their permanent teeth are fully formed, especially before the age of five or in children whose treatment is completed with radiation to the head and neck, mouth or salivary glands.
The problems that can arise with the above treatment include increased risk of cavities; shortening or thinning of tooth roots; small teeth; problems with tooth development or eruption of permanent teeth; gum disease and the problems with the development of tooth enamel that result in white or discolored spots, grooves and pits. It should be noted that the excessive fatigue of cancer patients is another reason for not paying enough attention to their dental care.
Providing treatment and support services to children suffering from cancer within the framework of national and international standards, as well as reducing the complications and side effects of cancer are among MAHAK’s missions. We, at MAHAK, hope to allay families’ concerns about treatment, help children get through treatment days happier and focus on their quality of life going forward.
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