Cancer Treatments and Your Oral Health

Despite great strides in recent years in the fight against cancer, treatments can still disrupt normal life. Both radiation and chemotherapy have side effects that can cause problems in other areas like the teeth and gums.

It’s important to get ahead of any potential side effects it may have on your dental health. Here are some things that can help protect teeth and gums while undergoing cancer treatment.

1. Get a preliminary dental exam. Before beginning treatment, patients should have their dentist examine their teeth and gums to establish a baseline for current dental health and to treat any problems that may already exist. However, patients should only undergo dental procedures in which the recovery time can be completed before starting radiation or chemotherapy.
2. Be meticulous about oral hygiene. Undergoing cancer treatment can increase the risks for developing tooth decay or gum disease. That’s why it’s important that patients thoroughly brush and floss every day to reduce bacterial plaque buildup that causes disease. Patients should also reduce sugar in their diets, a prime food source for bacteria, and eat “teeth-friendly” foods filled with minerals like calcium and phosphorous to keep teeth strong.
3. Keep up regular dental visits. Patients should try to keep up regular dental visits during their treatment. Besides the extra disease prevention offered by dental cleanings, the dentist can also monitor for any changes in oral health and provide treatment if appropriate.

Protect Your Mouth During treatments

1. Use an extra-soft toothbrush and soak it in warm water prior to use to make if softer. 
2. Brush your teeth and tongue
3. Brush after every meal
4. Brush at bedtime.
5. Floss once a day.  If flossing is painful in one place, keep flossing in the other areas.
6. Rinse with water.
7. Do not use mouthwash with alcohol in it.
8. Sip water and use a saliva substitute to keep your mouth moist.
9. Eat soft and easy to chew foods
10. Avoid spicy, sour or crunchy foods
11. Avoid very hot or icy-cold food.
12. Avoid Alcohol.
13. Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.  

Tips for Mouth Problems that May Arise

Sore Mouth, Sore Throat:

Rinse Often with: 

¼ teaspoon of salt + ¼ teaspoon of baking soda in a 1 quart (4 cups) of warm water.  

Ask your Cancer Care Team about medicine that can help with the pain.

Dry Mouth:

Sip water often.

Use sugar-free gum or candy to simulate salivation.

Talk to your dentist about salivary substitutes.

Problems Chewing:

Ask your Cancer Care Team for medicine to numb the pain.  

Stiff Chewing Muscles:

Three times a day open and close your mouth as far as you can without pain.  Repeat 20 times.

Vomiting: 

Rinse your mouth after vomiting.  Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 cup of water.  

Cavities: Ask your dentist to apply fluoride on your teeth to help protect them.  

If you or loved one are about to start cancer treatment, contact your family dentist to discuss your specific needs and how to protect your teeth.

Mike Witkowski, D.D.S.

Green Oak Dental

Green Oak Drive Suite A 

Kingwood, Texas, 77339

281-358-6330