Table 2.

The RCS/BSDH recommendations for the oral management of oncology patients requiring radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and haematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Cancer therapy stage	Dental recommendations
Pre-cancer therapy	1. Elimination of oral infection and potential risk of oral disease or discomfort such as sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
	2. Achieving optimal healing after any tooth extraction.
	3. Oral hygiene instructions.
	4. Impressions of the mouth are taken for study casts to construct applicator trays and where appropriate for obturators planning.
During cancer therapy	1. Recommendations to use an alcohol-free chlorhexidine mouthwash.
	2. Reducing the side-effects such as xerostomia and mucositis.
	3. If the mouth is too painful for cleaning with a soft toothbrush, the tissues can be cleaned with oral sponges or gauze moistened with alcohol-free mouthwash.
Post-cancer therapy	1. Regular radiographs, oral health advice and preventive regime reinforcement.
	2. Strategies for dealing with xerostomia continue.
	3. High fluoride toothpaste should be used.
	4. Jaw exercises are implemented in the event of trismus.