Dental Health During and After Cancer Treatment

After a cancer diagnosis, most of the attention goes to treatment and recovery, and oral health often gets overlooked. Almost 30-35% of patients undergoing cancer treatment can experience oral issues. Maintaining dental health during and after cancer treatment is needed for nutrition and ease, in addition to the prevention of serious complications. These can destroy the treatment schedule of patients. A healthy mouth, on the other hand, can improve your quality of life while battling cancer.

Typical oral challenges 

Chemotherapy and radiation damage the delicate tissues of the mouth. Radiation can cause xerostomia, i.e., a dry mouth. Saliva helps in breaking down food, washing away its particles, and neutralizing acids.  Its reduction or complete absence makes patients prone to quick tooth decay and gum disease. Other challenges can be taste changes, painful mouth sores, and jaw stiffness (after head and neck radiation). 

Impact of treatment on oral tissues

Treatment for cancer affects the cell division of the body, including the cells of the mouth lining and the salivary glands. Chemotherapy causes sores and inflammation, and radiation can permanently damage the salivary glands, causing a persistent dry mouth. Radiation also affects the tooth structure, known as “radiation caries,” making it more vulnerable to decay. In some patients, the jawbone can be damaged to such an extent that minor dental procedures are risky.

How to manage a dry mouth?

To preserve dental health during and after cancer treatment, a persistent dry mouth must be effectively managed. These few tips can help:

• Proper hydration: Keep drinking water throughout the day.
• Changing diet: Eat moist and soft foods while avoiding dry, crunchy, or sugary/acidic foods. 
• Substitutes: Moistening gels and saliva substitutes can help ease the discomfort caused at night.
• Hygiene: Use a soft-bristle brush and gentle brushing techniques. Use a prescription or high-fluoride toothpaste after consulting your dentist.

Daily care for prevention

For oral care in cancer patients, a dental examination is needed before starting the treatment. To reduce infection risk when immunity is low, any extractions or restorative work must be done before. Perform regular dental checkups to look for decay or infection. Maintain gentle oral hygiene for fragile gums and mucosa. Use a fluoride toothpaste daily to remineralize enamel. Lastly, to prevent jaw stiffness after radiation, do exercises for the jaw.

Maintenance of dental health during and after cancer treatment requires your dentists, oncologists, and you. Recovery after cancer is slow and steady, and with the help of proactive steps, oral difficulties can be managed. By prioritizing your dental health, you support your overall well-being.