If you have recently been faced with a cancer diagnosis, you may push other health care to the side to focus on addressing the primary issue at hand. However, it’s important to understand that people with cancer can experience unique problems related to their oral health. As such, dental professionals should play a vital role on your cancer care team. If this reflects your circumstances, it’s in your best interest to schedule an appointment with our seasoned general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ who can help you maintain your oral health during this difficult time.
What is the Link Between Cancer & Oral Health?
Unfortunately, radiation to the head and neck can potentially damage your salivary glands. This may hinder your ability to produce saliva, which can increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities. Radiation and chemotherapy can also cause painful mouth sores. Those who suffer from cancer that has spread to their bones, or who are undergoing treatment that can weaken their bones, may be prescribed high doses of antiresorptives such as bisphosphonates. These medications can cause a rare condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, in which the jawbone is exposed through the gums.
In addition, treatments such as chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants have been linked to lowering an individual’s immune system. When this happens, patients are left more susceptible to infection. Infections in the mouth during cancer treatments are incredibly dangerous as your immune system will not be able to fight it off. An abscessed tooth could also mean you have to stop chemotherapy to treat the infection. That being said, intervening early to eliminate infections or any other oral issues can minimize complications during cancer treatment.
What Can Patients Do to Keep Their Mouths Healthy?
As you can see, keeping up your oral hygiene before, during, and after cancer treatment is crucial. Those diagnosed with cancer need to take the following steps to safeguard their oral health:
- Regularly visit your dentist. Before you begin your cancer treatment, you should schedule an exam with your dentist for an X-ray and cleaning. They can check for any infections in your mouth. This is important as infections can complicate your cancer treatment and lower your immune system. If an infection is discovered, they can treat it whether that means filling a cavity or extracting a tooth before you undergo cancer treatment to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
- Mouth guard. If you will be receiving radiation treatment for cancer in the head or neck, you should ask your dentist about wearing a mouth guard during these treatments. A mouth card can protect areas of your mouth from unnecessary radiation, which is particularly useful for patients with metal fillings and crowns.
- Stay hydrated. It’s important to drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth.
- Practice good oral hygiene. You should continue to keep up your oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing your teeth. If you develop mouth sores, stay away from alcohol-based mouthwash.
Although you have other concerns, during cancer treatment you should not neglect your dental care. At Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we are prepared to help you maintain your oral health. Schedule an appointment with our dedicated team today to learn how we can assist you during this challenging time.
