Stokman, M. A., Burlage, F.R., & Spijkervet, F.K. (2012). The effect of a calcium phosphate mouth rinse on (chemo) radiation induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: A prospective study. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 10(3), 175–180.
To determine the effect of a calcium phosphate (CP) mouth rinse on oral mucositis
Consecutive patients were asked if they were willing to use the CP mouth rinse. Those who were willing were assigned to the CP group, and those who refused served as controls and followed the standard oral care program. Standard care with mouth rinsing with a salt and baking soda solution at least 8 times per day. The CP rinse was used twice per day. All patients received daily oral cleansing with a normal saline pressure spray and fluoride gel applications every other day to the teeth. The study period was 6 weeks. Outcomes were compared between groups and compared with historical controls.
The study was conducted at a single outpatient site in the Netherlands.
Patients were undergoing the active antitumor treatment phase of care.
This was a prospective, non-random comparison study.
No significant differences were found between groups in any of the outcome measures. Patients in the CP group had more severe mucositis scores at most weeks, but the difference was not statistically significant.
CP mouth rinsing had no effect on frequency, severity, or duration of oral mucositis in this group of patients.
This study did not show any benefit in the use of CP mouth rinses for the prevention and management of mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.