Patients receiving chemotherapy and other types of cancer-related treatments often experience unwanted oral side effects.
For example, many chemotherapy drugs can trigger symptoms oftender or bleeding gums, imitating the appearance of gingivitis or periodontaldisease. Radiation therapy can also contribute to issues such as dry mouth(xerostomia) or burning mouth sensations as well as changes in your tastereceptors.(1)
Because active periodontal infections can increase your riskof additional infectious conditions, it’s important for cancer patients andother immunocompromised individuals to limit the extent of any active oralinfections.
To improve your oral health condition and limit side-effectsof cancer related therapies such as chemotherapy, experts recommend thefollowing strategies:
1. Use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash to helpremineralize areas of weaker tooth enamel.
2. Sip on water frequently throughout the day.
3. Avoid any mouth rinse that contains alcohol, as it willdry your mouth out further.
4. Practice good oral hygiene including brushing twice dailyand flossing at least once per day.
5. Chew a sugar-free gum or use mints containing xylitol tohelp combat dry mouth and tooth demineralization.
6. See your dentist regularly for checkups and preventativecare, with a goal of eliminating any oral infections before you begin cancertreatment.
Your dental provider will be able to help you address anyoral infections or mouth sores to reduce the oral side-effects of chemotherapyand radiation treatment. For best results, plan to visit your dentist beforeyou begin treatment and a minimum of every 3-6 months thereafter. Routineevaluations and early intervention can help you minimize unwanted side-effectssuch as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and tooth loss after cancer tretment.
If you’re experiencing severe mouth swelling, itching, ordifficulty swallowing, contact your cancer team immediately.(2)
References:
1.https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/chemotherapy-and-your-mouth.pdf
2.https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-side-effects.html