Cancer. It’s a scary diagnosis, but new treatments and technology have made survival rates and quality of life better than ever before. Unfortunately, these treatments – particularly radiation and chemotherapy – have significant side effects. You may already know about some of them, like weakness, hair loss, and nausea. But did you know that they can have a serious impact on your dental health too?
Radiation therapy, especially when performed on the head and neck area, can lead to dry mouth, loss of taste, tooth decay, mouth and jaw pain, infections in the mouth and throat, and even bone loss in the tooth and jaw areas. Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells, can damage the healthy cells in your mouth and have similar side effects to radiation treatment. In addition, vomiting caused by the nausea associated with it may erode tooth enamel, making teeth more prone to decay.
We’ve listed several steps that you can take to minimize the dental side effects before, during, and after treatment. But it’s important to work with your dentist before you start radiation or chemotherapy. Together, you can create a strategy to minimize the effects on your dental health.
Before Cancer Treatment
Think of cancer treatment like a marathon. It will be a long haul and the finish line will be a welcome sight. Just like athletes that have to work to get their bodies in shape for a marathon, cancer patients need to get their bodies in shape before undergoing radiation or chemotherapy to help ensure the best outcome. Part of that preparation should include these steps for maintaining dental health:
Get a dental exam and thorough cleaning to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Have any necessary dental work done in advance.
Implement fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth.
Cut out the sugar, tobacco, alcohol – it will strengthen your immune system and reduce decay-causing bacteria.
Cut down on acidic food to keep your tooth enamel strong.
Brush up on your daily brushing and flossing routine.
During Treatment
Keep up with your daily brushing, flossing, and good-eating regimen. If soreness in your gums makes brushing uncomfortable, switch to an extra-soft brush and soak it in warm water before use.
Rinse your mouth often, but avoid mouthwashes with alcohol. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments can lead to dry mouth, and bacteria can easily take up residence if the salivary glands aren’t working as they should. Consider this easy, yet effective homemade rinse:
1 teaspoon of salt in 4 cups of water
1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup (8 ounces of water)
½ teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons baking soda in 4 cups of water
Exercise your jaws to minimize jaw stiffness. Open and close your mouth as far as possible (without causing pain) 20 times, 3 times a day.
Contact your dentist if you develop mouth sores, extreme gum sensitivity or pain, excessive jaw pain, or an infection. He or she can prescribe medication to help you feel better.
After Treatment
Maintain regular follow-up visits with your dentist. Cancer treatment, particularly radiation therapy, can affect your bones. Your dentist will monitor the health of your teeth and gums, and discuss any issues or changes with you.
Continue with your good diet and dental-hygiene habits.
Smile. You’ve crossed the finish line of your own personal “marathon.”
Make an appointment with us today!
Dr. Todd Hasty of Shadow Valley Dental Group is a premier dentist serving patients in Maumee, Ohio. At Shadow Valley Dental Group, you can expect gentle, personalized dental care and unmatched dental expertise. We provide comprehensive services including cleanings, fillings, root canals, implants, cosmetic dental services, and more!
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