Nine out of 10 children with cancer may develop oral complications due to the cancer itself or its treatment. These include dry mouth and mucositis (painful ulcers), which may affect one’s quality of life and survival. The mouth is the most frequently documented source of sepsis in immunocompromised patients and is highly susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, poor oral health may compromise or delay cancer treatment. On the other hand, a good oral care protocol may reduce the severity and incidence of oral mucositis in children.

It is therefore recommended that children see a paediatric dentist for a dental check-up as early as possible upon a cancer diagnosis. While this is often logistically challenging amidst the multiple medical and allied health appointments scheduled, the referring oncology physician can partner with the dental team to arrange the best coordinated window for an early check-up.

The dental check-up typically involves a thorough examination of both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaws, and teeth. Dental radiographs may also be taken during these visits. If any oral disease is detected, a paediatric dentist, trained to manage children with medical conditions, will work closely with the oncology team to develop patient-centred treatment options and determine an appropriate time window for treatment. During these visits, preventive oral care and dietary advice, along with anticipatory guidance on potential oral complications and their care, will also be discussed with parents and patients (See below for Figure: Oral Care for Children with Cancer).

Childhood cancer survivors who have been treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or total body irradiation combined with high-dose chemotherapy before haematopoietic stem cell transplantation face a higher risk of dental developmental problems. These may include missing teeth, unusually small teeth, enamel hypoplasia, shortened roots, enamel defects, and xerostomia. Therefore, the dentist will also recommend appropriate follow-up intervals to monitor your child’s dental development and oral health over time.

Early dental care can make an important difference in helping your child stay as comfortable and healthy as possible during cancer treatment. By working closely with the oncology team, the paediatric dentist can help prevent or manage mouth problems early and support your child through treatment more smoothly.

Figure: Oral Care for Children with Cancer

 

Additional Resources:

– Oral health for children and young people with cancer (2026) — CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Organisation, The Royal College of Surgeons of England, and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry  

– The oral and dental management of patients before, during and after cancer therapy (2025) — Royal College of Surgeons of England

– Dental Management of Pediatric Patients Receiving Immunosuppressive Therapy and/or Head and Neck Radiation — American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2022.

 

 

 

Author: Dr Yee Ruixiang BDS (S’pore), MSc (Paediatric Dentistry)(London), Grad Cert in Advanced Clinical Dental Practice (London), MPaedDent RCS (England), FAMS. 7th September 2026