Oral manifestations of bone marrow transplantation.

Bone marrow protection by transplantation permits the administration of large doses of antitumor drugs and radiation. Severe oral complications occur in about 70% of patients who have had allogeneic bone marrow transplants and to a lesser degree in patients who have had autologous and syngeneic transplants. Oral complications consist of mucositis, salivary gland dysfunction, loss of resiliency of perioral tissues, periodontal disease, and caries. Pre- and post-transplant oral care aimed at plaque control, control of dental pathology, and hydration of oral tissues are important factors in support therapy of bone marrow transplant patients.