Influence of Radioiodine Therapy on Oral Health and Salivary Production in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the characteristics related to oral health and salivary production in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) after radioiodine therapy (RIT).

METHODS

Cross-sectional study, which included patients with DTC after ablative and/or adjuvant RIT. Patients underwent assessment of oral health conditions, subjective assessment of xerostomia, and measurement of salivary flow. Salivary glands were assessed by cervical ultrasound at the time of clinical evaluation.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven DTC patients were included. Oral health was found very good or good in 60% of patients, 84% had no dental plaque or a slight amount, and 53% had normal-looking gums. There was a negative correlation between the salivary flow with activity of RIT ablative, number of RITs received, and total activity of radioiodine administered until oral assessment. Reduction in parotid gland volume on ultrasound was associated with greater number of times receiving RIT, longer time between RIT and patient assessment, greater 131I activity administered.

CONCLUSION

Good or very good oral health was observed in 60% of patients with DTC after RIT, 15% reported hyposalivation, and 13%, frequent xerostomia. Higher number and higher total activity of radioiodine administered, as well as reduction in the volume and heterogeneous texture of parotid gland on ultrasound were predictive factors of lower salivary flow.