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Oral Surgery · single question

A patient on radiotherapy develops oral mucositis. What should be done?

  1. Change chlorhexidine (CHX) for iodopovidone
  2. Continue CHX without modification
  3. Prescribe systemic antibiotics
  4. Perform scaling immediately
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Correct answer: A. Change chlorhexidine (CHX) for iodopovidone

  • A. CORRECT. Alcohol-containing chlorhexidine can irritate inflamed mucosa, so this set keys switching to a gentler antiseptic such as povidone-iodine. Bland, alcohol-free rinses are the general mainstay.
  • B. INCORRECT. Continuing an irritating alcohol-based rinse can worsen mucositis.
  • C. INCORRECT. Systemic antibiotics are not the first-line management for mucositis without infection.
  • D. INCORRECT. Aggressive scaling during acute mucositis adds trauma.

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