Self-reported oral hygiene habits and gingival bleeding in women with breast cancer: evidence from an observational and prospective study

Abstract

Objectives: to describe and examine oral hygiene habits and self-reported gingival bleeding in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: in an observational and prospective study, 140 women were evaluated during chemotherapy between 2017 and 2019. Results and Conclusion: more than 40% of participants reported gingival bleeding at some point during chemotherapy. Flossing was unsatisfactory at baseline and in the intermediate cycle as well as did not affect self-reported gingival bleeding. The amount of tooth brushing per day was a predictor of self-reported gingival bleeding at the end of chemotherapy.