Studying the Influence of Radiation Therapy on Mineralization of Hard Dental Tissue, Salivation and Level of Oral Cavity Hygiene Using the Raman Fluorescence Method

Subject. Changes in the mineralization of hard dental tissues, salivation, and level of oral hygiene under the influence of radiation therapy. Objectives. To establish the relationship between saliva secretion, hygiene level and mineralization of hard dental tissues in patients undergoing radiation therapy. Methodology. The study was conducted on the basis of the Department of Orthopedic Dentistry and Orthodontics of SUSMU. In accordance with the purpose of the work, a study was conducted in which 80 people participated. The study included the study of the mineralization of the surface of the hard tissues of the teeth, the level of salivation, as well as a comprehensive assessment of the hygienic condition of the oral cavity. The data were recorded three times, on the 1st, 15th, and 30th day after the start of radiation therapy. During the study, the complex "Inspector M" was used (wavelength – 514 nm.) according to the proposed scheme. Results. According to the results of this study, a significant difference in the level of dental mineralization, salivation and dental hygiene was revealed against the background of radiation therapy on the 1st, 15th, 30th day in patients of the main group. No changes were detected in the comparison group. Mineralization indices decrease from 170.8 ± 1.5 on the 1st day to 154.9 ± 1.7 and 139.1 ± 2 on the 15th and 30th days. Salivation rates decrease from 3.94 ± 0.15 on the 1st day to 3.18 ± 0.14 and 1.95 ± 0.12 on the 15th and 30th days. Hygiene indicators (according to Green–Vermillion / Raman fluorescence) deteriorate significantly from 2.62 ± 0.13 / 35 ± 1.2 on the 1st day to 3.78 ± 0.11 / 4.83 ± 0.14 and 50.1 ± 1.3 / 61.8 ± 1.2 on the 15th and 30th days). Conclusion 1. During radiation therapy, patients experience a decrease in saliva secretion, a deterioration in oral hygiene and a decrease in the mineralization of hard dental tissues. 2. Irradiation reduces the mineralization of hard dental tissues not directly, but indirectly, by affecting the secretion of saliva and the level of oral hygiene.