Objective  To compare the efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomplexes (CPP-ACP) and Duraphat varnish on preventing radiation caries and dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in irradiated head and neck cancer patients.

  Methods  A total of 112 patients with head and neck cancer who will undergo radiotherapy were selected and randomly divided into the CPP-ACP group (experimental group) and the Duraphat varnish group (control group). A day prior to the scheduled radiotherapy, CPP-ACP containing paste had been applied once a day for 5 weeks to the teeth surface of the experimental group. Duraphat varnish was applied with the same frequency in the control group. The decay missing filling tooth (DMFT), decay missing filling surface (DMFS), and DH of two groups before radiotherapy and 12 months after radiotherapy were observed and statistically analyzed.

  Results  Before radiotherapy, DMFT, DMFS, and DH showed no significant differences between the groups (P>0.05). However, significant increase in DMFT, DMFS, and DH was noted in the two groups 12 months after the radiotherapy (P < 0.05). A higher increase was observed in the DMFT, DMFS, and DH of the control group compared with those in the experimental group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  CPP-ACP effectively reduced radiation caries and sensitivity in irradiated head and neck cancer patients and deservesclinical application.