Dental Issues Of Cancer Patients

Visit Sabkadentist for severe dental problems. 

Chemotherapy.  Most of the complications usually resolve after treatment ends and have been short term.  Oral complications caused by chemotherapy comprise 

Mouth sores (oral mucositis)

Bleeding from the mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia)/salivary gland dysfunction) 

Tooth decay and gum disease

Infection

Pain

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Changes in taste

Neurotoxicity

Changes in dental growth and development happen in kids.

Malnutrition or dehydration

Breakdown of tissue, bone or muscle in the region receiving radiation

Tooth decay and gum disease

Mouth sores (oral mucositis)

Infection

Infection 

Dry mouth (xerostomia)/salivary gland dysfunction

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Changes in flavor 

Changes in dental growth and development happen in kids.

Malnutrition or dehydration

Stem cell transplant.  Patients who get an allogeneic stem cell transplant have an increased probability of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).  GVHD occurs when donor cells attack the patient's body.  Symptoms of oral GVHD contain:

Mouth sores which are reddish and ulcerated

Dry mouth due to a decrease in saliva flow

Suffering from spices, alcohol, or other flavorings

Problems swallowing

Change in taste

Tightness from the skin or the lining of the mouth

Bone-modifying medications.  Bisphosphonates are a class.  Patients need to know that although bisphosphonates are successful, these drugs also carry risk to their dental health.  Bisphosphonate therapy can lead to a rare but severe complication called"osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)."  ONJ causes a portion of the bone to die, which can result in open sores pain and a higher risk of infection and tooth loss.  Before treatment starts patients need to have a dental check-up before starting therapy and handle any problems.  The treatment wills halt if ONJ happens.

Good dental hygiene, before and during cancer treatment, can help to prevent or decrease the associated oral complications.  Patients need to learn about dental care so they can reduce side effects and handle symptoms.  The target is to treat present problems before treatment starts and to become educated about the dangers, side effects, and complications of treatment.

When therapy is not urgent, patients must go to a dentist at least four weeks before treatment begins.  A pretreatment oral test will identify issues like fractured teeth, cavities, loose crowns or fillings, or gum disease.  These issues should be addressed to reduce the probability of complications.

To lower the possibility of complications such as cavities, mouth ulcers, and infections during treatment, it's very crucial to maintain your mouth, teeth, and gums clean.

Patients may take the next steps to help improve their oral health:

Brush teeth and gums two to three times each day.

Use a fluoride toothpaste with a mild taste--flavorings can irritate the mouth area.

Gradually floss once a day.

Every 2 hours, then rinse your mouth with a solution of water, salt, and baking soda to avoid soreness.

Use an antibacterial rinse two to four times per day to prevent gum disease.

Utilize lip-care merchandise to stop your lips from drying and cracking.

Brush dentures daily, clean using a denture cleaner recommended by the dental practitioner and also keep dentures moist when not being worn out.

Pay attention to diet.  Attempt to

Choose healthful foods that are soft, mild, and easy to chew and swallow.

Avoid hot, hot, highly acidic and crunchy foods that may irritate your mouth.

Avoid sugary foods, like candy or soda, which can cause cavities.

Prevent alcohol and tobacco products.

Keep your mouth moist during cancer therapies so you are more likely to prevent mouth blisters.  You can

Drink a Great Deal of water.

Suck on ice chips to prevent dryness.

Use sugarless gum or hard candies.

Use a saliva substitute.

Request about fluoride remedies which may be recommended to prevent cavities or tooth sensitivity.

Talk with your doctor about methods to boost bone health along with vitamin D and/or calcium supplements.

Look in your mouth every day and note sores or additional changes.  Take action to help avoid and cure a sore mouth.

Control of Infection 

Call your doctor, nurse, or physician if you notice oral complications.  Physician or dentist and the patient should work together to manage symptoms and treat ailments, either with drugs or supportive care.

Paying for dental health hygiene is an issue for most cancer patients.  Not everybody can manage insurance, and benefits are not always an option.  Patients need to educate themselves about their dental and medical insurance policy and its limitations before they begin cancer remedies.

Patients must discuss their financial concerns with their dental and medical teams and discover whether there are any monetary tools available for them.  View the fact sheet, Dental and Oral Complications of Cancer Treatment Truth, to get a listing of organizations that may have the ability to assist.  

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