➡️ The general term Radiation is applied in 2 different forms of energy-

• Electromagnetic Radiation
• Particle Radiation

➡️ Cellular defects occur due to-

1. Denaturation of nucleoprotein
2. Coagulation
3. Inactivation of enzyme system
4. Toxic effects of protein breakdown products.

🔹 Effects on Oral Mucosa:

• Lower dose of X-Ray – Erythema
• Therapeutic radiation – Mucositis
• Effect of Radiation therapy:

1. Initial changes – Hyperemia & Edema
2. Later – Ulceration with fibrinous exudate
3. Loss of taste (damage to microvilli & outer surface of taste cells)

⬇️

Restores within 60-120 days post-radiation therapy

4. Difficulty in eating –

• Lidocaine mouthrinse as topical anesthetic
• Nasogastric tube feeding

🔹 Effects on Salivary Glands:

1. Xerostomia
2. Loss of secretion
3. Post radiation sialadenitis ( ⬆️ serum amylase)
4. ⬇️ lubricating capacity, pH & buffering capacity.

🔹 Effects on Teeth:

1. Radiation caries – cervical areas of teeth
2. Brittle tooth
3. Alterations of saliva – thicker and more tenacious after irradiation
4. Xerostomia
5. Cariogenesis acclerated – frank lesions within 3 months. Prevention: Application of 1% NaF gel
6. Complete cessation of odontogenesis ➡️ Anodontia. Stunting of roots of teeth. Occur at time of tooth formation.

🔹 Radiation mucositis of palate:

• Post radiation yellowish white necrotic exudate.

Dr. Mehnaz Memon🖊

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References: Shafers Textbook Of Oral Pathology 7Ed