Cancer Treatment and How to Prepare Your Mouth

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with cancer? Are you preparing for treatment? Did you know that prior to undergoing cancer therapy or treatment it is imperative to have your oral health assessed by a professional. Gingivitis, periodontal disease, decay, poor fitting dentures or appliances, or sores in your mouth all require treatment prior to having cancer treatment. A thorough dental cleaning should also be a part of that preparation. There are many treatments and products that we can provide or recommend to help you manage the issues that may occur during and after cancer therapy. Products like xylitol, fluoride and biotene are helpful for managing the various dental concerns that are caused by radiation and/or chemotherapy. Nutritional guidance may also be valuable. Call us at 519-736-1100 or contact us to help you prepare.

Why? Because chemotherapy and/or radiation greatly increases your risk of disease and decay. Existing conditions that are now minor irritations or have no symptoms can bloom into severe concerns at a time when you can least manage them. Having dental pain or infection during cancer therapy can reduce your ability to withstand treatment. Both chemotherapy and radiation can cause taste alterations and dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. Making eating and drinking difficult and creating more dental plaque. You may not feel capable during treatment of your oral hygiene routines. This again makes preparation and prevention necessary. At least a month prior to starting treatment speak to your dental professional about your diagnosis and treatment plan any needed care. We will consult with you and your physicians and will know how to help you before, during and after therapy.

Head and neck radiation therapy can damage the salivary glands, teeth and tissues drastically depending on the field irradiated. Potentially causing issues for the rest of your life. Damage to the salivary glands results in xerostomia or dry mouth. This condition greatly increases your risk for disease and decay. Saliva moisturizes the tissues, contains the minerals necessary for remineralization and assists in clearing and metabolizing food. Some clients may need to have custom trays fabricated for application of remineralizing products during therapy to prevent demineralization and decay and reduce tooth hypersensitivity. Radiation can also cause a painful oral condition called mucositis. This inflammation of the oral tissues can turn normal everyday activities like eating brushing and flossing into a nightmare. The teeth can become hypersensitive. These issues can be so painful that your cancer treatment may need to be stopped or delayed. There are ways to manage these conditions but if your oral health is at it’s best your chances of undergoing therapy with fewer problems are much improved. Radiation therapy also puts you at risk for osteoradionecrosis. The risk for this condition is highest the first year following treatment. So any care that can be completed prior to your treatment should be.

Chemotherapy greatly increases your risk for infection and decreases your immune response. This can cause even low grade inflammation like that involved in gingivitis or periodontal disease to bloom into a severe or acute problem. Oral mucositis can also be caused by chemotherapy. Again, this makes oral hygiene and potentially eating and drinking difficult. So preparing by contacting your dental professional prior to commencement of treatment is so important. It may be unsafe to proceed with dental treatment for many weeks after your treatment is completed. Your dental professional will consult with your oncologist or medical doctor to ensure that it is safe to proceed with oral care. We want to help you ensure that no oral issues will occur that may interfere or lengthen the time your require cancer treatment.

Contact us at Embrace Dental Hygiene for advice or an appointment. Oral health and systemic health are one in the same. Your dental hygienist is a part of your circle of care and we are dedicated to helping you manage and improve your health.