Does the Masticatory Function Interfere With the Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Individuals After Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer?
Abstract Head and neck cancer damages the oral health and chewing performance, impairing the nutritional status and quality of life even after treatment completion. Objective: This study investigated the effect of treatment on the chewing function, the influence on oral health in chewing function and the relationships between chewing, nutritional status and quality of life in individuals after treatment of head and neck cancer. Methods: The study was conducted on twenty individuals who were evaluated by surface electromyography; nutritional status; evaluation of oral health and quality of life. Results: The results of electromyography showed an asymmetric pattern, with predominance of activity on the working side. The correlations evidenced that the greater the use of upper dentures and caries activity, the greater the asymmetry of muscle activity, while the greater need of lower denture led to more chewing cycles. The lower the body fat percentage, the greater the symmetry of muscle activity; and the lower the recruitment of temporalis muscles, the greater the physical limitation. Conclusions: It was concluded that, in individuals after treatment of head and neck cancer, there was relationship between the correlated variables.