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What you need to know about your oral health during cancer treatment

Medicine has advanced rapidly during recent years and many cancer patients either have been cured or have had their life prolonged.  When people are diagnosed with cancer, many only concentrate on the cancer treatment therapy and forget to take care of other parts of their body.  People who survive from cancer may face related problems in other areas of their bodies causing a decrease in the quality of life.

Oral health is a very good example.  An estimated 400,000 of the 1.2 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year may develop painful and debilitating oral complications from their cancer treatments.  For example, cancer treatments can worsen gum disease and increase cavity activity due to a major shift in the pH of saliva into the acidic range.  In most of the cases, cavities are most likely happen at the root areas of the teeth (gum line areas).  Teeth surfaces frequently develop white chalky or opaque color due to the demineralization of the enamel.  This occurs as a result of acidic saliva and decreases in mineral content.  For many patients, this translates into a significant amount of dental procedures.From Dr. Peng's six years of practice experience, there has only been one cancer patient who was told by her physician to have her teeth examined and treated before chemotherapy.  It is important to have a preventive dental treatment before the cancer treatment.  Soft tissue and teeth should be examined and cleaned. Any cavities and gum disease (gingivitis) should be treated.  Also, the dentist can make a tray that fits patient's teeth so that they can apply fluoride during the cancer treatment to prevent cavities. Oral hygiene must be meticulously maintained and daily use of a fluoride gel is necessary.  It is recommended that a patient should brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. After the cancer treatment it is imperative to have the teeth checked right away. 

Management of any type of cavities and demineralization associated with radiotherapy or cancer treatment requires close monitoring by dental personnel.  Someone who is receiving radiation therapy of the head and neck area may develop certain complications including dry mouth, sensitive lesions in the oral cavity, hypersensitive teeth, rapid tooth decay, and a difficulty swallowing.  Patients can use products to stimulate saliva flow to reduce dry mouth effect from the cancer treatment.