The Association of Salivary Flow Rate and Sleep Quality among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors after Radiotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Head and neck cancer survivors suffer from xerostomia and sleep disturbances after radiotherapy, both of which affect their quality of life. This study aimed to explore the role of salivary flow in the oral health and sleep quality of head and neck cancer survivors.

Methods

We recruited 120 head and neck cancer survivors who were experiencing symptoms of dry mouth or sleep disturbances post-radiotherapy from a dental clinic. We gathered their socio-demographic and clinical data, measured their salivary flow rate, and recorded their dry mouth score using the summated xerostomia inventory. Additionally, a dentist collected the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was employed to assess their sleep quality.

Results

SUBMITTER: Shen YW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10875849 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature