Robert Follweiler D.D.S
Periodontology on the Treasure
Coast
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. 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:
- Inflamed gums, mouth ulcers and infection
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing
- Dental decay or erosion of the tooth’s enamel and root
- Loss of taste sensation
- Jaw stiffness
- 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 periodontist or
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:
- 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.
- Floss teeth gently every day and temporarily avoid areas if gums are sore or bleeding. Go back to those tender areas as they improve.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 @772-283-1400
Robert
Follweiler D.D.S. Periodontology &
Laser Technology
901 East Ocean
Boulevard
Stuart,
Florida 34994
