How to Maintain Your Oral Health During Cancer Therapy
From the American Academy of Periodontology
According to the National Institute of dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) of the 1.2 million people diagnosed with cancer each year, approximately 400,000 will develop oral complications from their treatments. Unfortunately, many patients do not receive oral care until serious, painful complications develop.
Common side effects of cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation can wreak havoc on your overall health and quality of life. During radiation and chemotherapy not only are the cancer cells destroyed but also normal cells, including the ones in your mouth can be affected. The type of treatment, the intensity and duration can be reduced or discontinued altogether if the side effects become too significant. As experts in holistic medicine will tell you when dealing with cases of this type, proper nutrition and hydration (liquid intake) are critical as you progress in your cancer treatment and a painful mouth can make eating and drinking adequately very difficult.
Oral Complications of Cancer Treatments:
1. Inflamed gums, mouth ulcers and infection
2. Dry mouth
3. Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing
4. Dental decay or erosion of the tooth’s enamel and root
5. Loss of taste sensation
6. Jaw stiffness
7. Delayed healing
How You Can Help Yourself?
Prior to starting your cancer treatment it is very important that you go to a periodontist or other dental professional to evaluate your existing oral health. Because tissues take longer to heal during cancer therapy, oral surgery is not recommended during cancer therapy. By having an evaluation before cancer therapy begins you will eliminate any problems that could intensify or interfere with your cancer treatment.
Daily Oral Hygiene Routine During Cancer Treatment
Your general dentist will likely suggest an oral hygiene routine for you to follow at home that is designed to reduce periodontal bacteria and minimize the complications that cancer treatments may cause. Adequate oral hygiene may prevent problems that cause pain and discomfort in your mouth. The following suggestions may keep you as healthy and comfortable as possible:
1. Using warm water and a soft toothbrush, gently brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal and before bed. If using a toothbrush is too uncomfortable moistened a cotton swab and go along the areas where food may become trapped. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Floss teeth gently every day and temporarily avoid areas if gums are sore or bleeding. Go back to those tender areas as they improve.
3. Your dentist may prescribe topical fluoride rinses to help your teeth resist dental decay. The susceptibility to dental decay may increase due to a “dry mouth” or lack of saliva caused by radiation and some chemotherapy agents. Avoid any mouthwashes that contain alcohol as well as carbonated or caffeinated beverages because these contain chemicals that dry the mouth.
4. If your mouth becomes sore rinse a few times a day with ¼ teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution and follow this with a plain warm water rinse.
5. Avoid candy, soft drinks, and food that contain sugar. Also avoid toothpicks, tobacco products and alcohol.
Taking Special Care of Yourself
At this challenging time it is vital that you make every effort to stay as comfortable as possible. For instance if dry mouth is a persistent problem you should try sipping cool water often or allow ice chips to melt in your mouth You may also chew sugarless gum or candy and apply lip balm frequently. Use a humidifier in your bedroom to lessen nighttime dryness and ask your periodontist about a prescription saliva substitute or medications that can stimulate saliva. As mentioned before, proper nutrition is a must during your treatment. Eat foods that are east-to-chew and that are lukewarm not hot. You can use sauces, milk and yogurt or a blender to soften your food and make swallowing easier. If nausea and vomiting are problems be sure to rinse every time you vomit with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of warm water. This will keep the stomach acids from wearing away the enamel of your teeth. If your diet is compromised vitamins and other nutritional supplements are often needed.
Finally, establish a close relationship with a periodontist or other dental professional so that you will be able to access the help you need before and after your cancer treatment. Prompt answers to your questions offer great relief when you are facing medical treatment of any kind.
We are here to help you get through your cancer treatments with as few complications as possible. Please allow us to participate in your care.
Please call us @772-283-140
