Effects of total body irradiation on salivary gland function and caries-associated oral microflora in bone marrow transplant patients.

Forty-one cancer patients who received chemoradiotherapy conditioning with bone marrow transplantation were examined for changes in salivary gland function and caries-associated oral microflora. Salivary flow rates (stimulated and unstimulated) and Streptococcus mutans levels decreased after pretransplant cytoreductive therapy and posttransplant prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Normal levels returned with time after the patients left the protected environment. Lactobacillus counts were not affected. Chronic graft-versus-host disease did not significantly influence saliva production. Results indicate that irradiation is probably the major factor responsible for the transient xerostomia.