Fighting cancer is exhausting and time-consuming, but cancer patients should make time for dental appointments when they are receiving chemotherapy and certain radiation treatments.
Side effects of cancer therapy can lead to serious mouth problems, but these problems can often be avoided or diminished by following the advice of a dental practitioner experienced with cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy and radiation can lead to bleeding, soreness, stiffness or swelling in the mouth that makes it difficult to eat. Reduced saliva may leave the mouth uncomfortably dry, and some patients are at a greater risk for cavities and mouth infections.
| "Doctors use radiation to treat cancer because it kills cancer cells. But radiation to the head and neck can harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth... You may be surprised that your dentist is important in your cancer treatment. If you go to the dentist before radiation begins, you can help prevent serious mouth problems. Side effects often happen because a person's mouth is not healthy before radiation starts. Not all mouth problems can be avoided but the fewer side effects you have, the more likely you will stay on your cancer treatment schedule." |
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"Radiation Treatment and Your Mouth" National Institutes of Health |
Making sure that good dental care is part of cancer treatment helps patients maintain their appearance, comfort and quality of life. In turn, this helps keep patients motivated while facing the challenges of cancer treatment.
| "The psychological effects associated with chemotherapy and other invasive treatments that eradicate cancer are sometimes as debilitating as the psychological side effects. The patient's inability to maintain a normal routine, in addition to physical appearance alterations, may negatively affect his or her self-esteem and/or optimism toward resuming a fulfilling life during or after treatment. When individuals are satisfied with their outward appearance, they feel good. For cancer patients facing each day with the realization that their outward appearance has changed because of the treatment process, remaining hopeful or feeling optimistic may be difficult and may have a negative impact on the remaining therapeutic initiatives." |
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"Clinical and Material Considerations for a
Chemotherapy Patient"
Thomas F. Trinkner, DDS Contemporary Esthetics and Restorative Practice July/August 2000 |
To help patients stay at their best during the fight against cancer, plan on regular dental care - optimally, beginning two weeks before chemotherapy and radiation treatments begin.
| "Oral complications from radiation to the head and neck or chemotherapy for any malignancy can seriously compromise patients' health and quality of life, as well as affect their ability to complete planned cancer treatment. The complications can be so debilitating that patients may tolerate only lower and less effective doses of therapy, may postpone scheduled treatments, or may have to discontinue treatment entirely. Oral complications can also lead to potentially life-threatening systemic infections." |
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"Oral Complications of Cancer Treatment:
What the Oral Health Team Can Do"
National Institutes of Health |
More tips on caring for your mouth during cancer treatment are available from The National Institutes of Health. Click on this link to their Internet site:
| · "When Should You Call Your Cancer Care Team About Mouth Problems?" |