This form of internal radiation can be used to treat prostate cancer. Since radiation therapy is a local treatment, side effects are usually confined to the area being treated. Radiation therapy can result in the development of several different oral manifestations, some temporary and some long-term. Dry mouth can cause an increased risk for dental caries, periodontal disease, stomatitis, difficultly in swallowing and loss of taste. Symptoms can start after 1 week of radiation therapy and last up to 6 months or longer after treatment has ended.
Dental caries are a long-term concern for patients who have undergone radiation therapy.
Because of the painful mucosa, patients are less likely to brush or floss. Lack of good oral hygiene and saliva can attribute to an increase in radiation caries. Patients initially seek medical help for persistent jaw pain or toothache. Trismus is a chronic effect of head and neck radiation. It occurs as a result of scar formation on the muscles of mastication.