Cancer can have a major impact on your mouth, teeth, and gums. It affects the cells that form our teeth and salivary glands as well as physical activities, such as eating and talking. That's why keeping oral health in check is even more important when dealing with this medical condition.
How Cancer Treatments Can Affect the Mouth
- Dry mouth. Chemotherapy affects the body’s ability to produce saliva, resulting in a dry mouth. It can also impact a person’s chewing and swallowing abilities.
- Increased risk for gum disease. An inadequate salivary flow makes the gums more vulnerable to cavities, infection, and bleeding in the mouth.
- Impaired sense of taste. In some cases, certain medications used in cancer treatments can change your sense of taste.
- Mouth sores. Medications used to treat cancer can also attack normal cells in the mouth, resulting in mouth sores.
- Jaw pain. You may also experience jaw pain and stiffness following radiation therapy.
If you've been diagnosed with cancer or are going through treatment, keeping track of any changes in your mouth and contacting your dentist right away if there are any concerns is important.
You may need to visit more often for dental checkups or use fluoride mouth rinses to help prevent cavities. Overall, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when diagnosed with cancer, as it can help you maintain a healthy mouth.
Protecting Health Before, During, and After Receiving Cancer Treatments
Make sure to tell your dentist if you’re receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatment, as these medications may require modifications to your oral health practices. Here are some ways to take care of your mouth throughout the process:
- Clean your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can lead to cavities or other health issues.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help replace lost fluids.
- Suck on sugar-free candy or gum to stimulate saliva production.
- If you notice any irregularities in your mouth, inform your dentist right away.
- Follow up with regular visits to the dentist after your treatment is complete to ensure that everything’s in order.
By following these steps, you can protect your oral health before, during, and after receiving cancer treatments.
How Your Dentist Can Help Protect Your Oral Health Against Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Having cancer can have a significant impact on your overall health, and paying attention to your oral health during this time is vital. Your dentist can provide valuable information and help you stay healthy, even with cancer.
- They may be able to make recommendations for the best ways to manage any side effects that come from treatments, such as dry mouth or changes in taste.
- Good oral hygiene habits can also help reduce the risk of getting gum diseases, tooth decay, and other oral infections that are more common with cancer treatments.
- Your dentist may also recommend ways to make brushing and flossing easier while managing the side effects of treatment.
- They may also be able to provide screenings for any potential issues, such as mouth sores or signs of periodontal disease. If an issue is identified early on, it can be treated before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Additionally, if you have any oral appliances that are no longer fitting correctly due to changes in your mouth, your dentist may be able to adjust them or provide new ones.
By working closely with your dentist, you can ensure that your oral health is taken care of during cancer treatments and beyond.
See the Dentist in Ottawa, ON, for More Information on Cancer and Dental Health
Maintaining good dental health habits will not only help with overall health but can also improve quality of life. If you have questions or concerns about your oral health while undergoing cancer treatments, don't hesitate to reach out to your dentist to learn more.
If you would like to schedule an oral cancer examination in Ottawa, ON, you may contact us at Dow’s Lake Dental. Whether it’s cancer or another health concern, we’re ready to provide guidance and support and help keep your mouth healthy.
