Dental hygienists need to gather additional information about the type, duration, and side effects of cancer therapy. <br />Individual treatment options may vary significantly among patients based on cancer type and stage, goals of treatment, and available therapies. <br />Categories for cancer management include cancer rehabilitation, psychosocial care, palliative care, and the transition to long-term survivorship. <br />With the rapidly evolving healthcare delivery system, dental hygienists are likely to transition into multidisciplinary roles.<br />The goals of oral hygiene management in patients with head and neck cancer varies depending on the cancer treatment. <br />The role of the dental hygienist includes oral screening and management of oro-dental complications due to surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy .<br />Dental hygienists perform maintenance of good oral hygiene, which is fundamental in preventing or limiting painful episodes or dangerous infections.<br />The prevention, hygiene, and maintenance program must be individualized and flexible in order to achieve a continuous and progressive educational process. <br />Professional and home oral hygiene with a related instruction prior to maxillofacial surgery contributes to the oral health and well-being of the patient, as well as significantly reducing pneumonia and mortality . <br />In the post-surgical phase, the patient should perform home oral hygiene using the following aids:<br /><br />Small-headed soft-bristled toothbrush, using an atraumatic brushing technique.<br />Fluoride toothpaste . <br />Topical application of fluoride gel with special trays one time a day for 5 min (two times a day during radiotherapy) . <br />Alcohol-free 0.12% chlorhexidine rinses . <br />Interdental hygiene with dental floss or interdental brush.<br /><br />If the patient is also treated with radiotherapy of the head-neck district, the patient’s oral cavity should be cleansed, with any periodontal causal therapy treatments at least 15 days before the beginning of radiation therapy to avoid biological complications and reduce the risk of osteoradionecrosis .<br />Radio-induced oral mucositis affected the oral mucosa by direct and indirect radiation damage and is characterized by rapid atrophy that can lead to erosive lesions. This condition can be complicated by fungal overinfection and can cause pain, difficulty in feeding and swallowing. .<br />Professional and at home oral hygiene can improve the patient’s mucositis condition.<br />The use of antiseptic mouthwashes alone may have utility in improving oral hygiene and preventing possible overinfections .<br />In the case of patients with removable dentures or a palatal obturator, the prosthetic restoration is brushed with a denture brush and Marseille soap, a hard soap made from vegetable oils.<br /> <br />