Effect of Fluoride Varnish on Oral Symptoms During Chemotherapy

Objective:

Oral status of patients who are under chemotherapy is affected by side effects of chemotherapy drugs. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of fluoride varnish on oral symptoms of patients under chemotherapy.

Method:

This research was a clinical randomized parallel double blind trial. Twenty patients with cancer who needed chemotherapy and met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups of 10: Group 1(control): no varnish, Group 2: fluoride varnish(NaF 5%, Sultan,USA). The baseline status of oral conditions of patients ( mucositis,dry mouth,infection,diminished tasting sense,difficulty in food intake,and burning sense of mucosa were recorded and re-evaluated after 3 and 6 weeks. The data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test.

Result:

The results showed that dry mouth and burning sensation decreased significantly after 21 days (p<0.046) and 42 days (p=0.047) in fluoride varnish group compared to the control group. Burning sensation of oral mucosa decreased after 42 days in fluoride varnish group significantly(p<0.043).

Conclusion:

Application of fluoride varnish at the beginning of chemotherapy could decrease some of  the oral side-effects in patients.