FactSheet
How Can Cancer Treatment
Affect Your Oral Health?
back How
can cancer therapy affect my mouth?
Of the 1.2 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year, approximately
400,000 will develop oral complications from their treatment. All forms
of cancer treatment, including radiation, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant,
can cause complications that affect oral health. In killing cancer cells,
treatment also may harm normal cells. Healthy cells in the mouth are particularly
vulnerable. Complications can make it hard to eat (which promotes poor nutrition)
talk and swallow, and can increase the likelihood of infection.
How
can oral complications affect my cancer treatment?
Oral complications of cancer treatment can be so debilitating that patients
may tolerate only lower, less effective doses of cancer drugs, may postpone
scheduled treatments, or may discontinue the treatment entirely. Oral
complications also can be the source of infections that interfere with
cancer therapy and threaten patient survival.
What
are the side effects of cancer treatment?
Different people experience different complications. The most common include:
Dry mouth Increased tooth decay Loss of taste Infections jaw stiffness
Painful mouth and gums Burning, peeling or swelling tongue
Why
should my dentist be involved in my treatment plan?
You may be surprised to learn that your dentist is important in your cancer
treatment. If you go to the dentist before radiation begins, you can help
prevent serious oral health problems. Complications often occur because
a patient's mouth is not healthy before cancer treatment begins. Not all
mouth problems can be avoided, but the fewer oral complications you have,
the more likely that you will stay on your treatment schedule. You should
see your dentist at least two weeks before your first treatment. If you
have already started treatment, see your dentist as soon as possible.
How
can I keep my mouth healthy?
You can do a lot to protect your oral health during cancer treatment.
The first step is to see a dentist before you start. Once treatment begins,
it is important to look in your mouth every day for sores and other changes.
If you find something unusual, call your dentist immediately.
The
following tips can help prevent and treat a sore mouth:
• Keep your mouth moist. Drink a lot of water. Suck on ice chips. Use
sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy. Use a saliva substitute.
• Clean your mouth, tongue and gums: Brush your teeth, gums and tongue
with an extrasoft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If it hurts,
soften the bristles with warm water.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste.
• Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol. Check the label for the list
of ingredients.
• Floss gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas
that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.
• Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon
baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water.
If
your mouth is sore:
Eat foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow. Take small
bites of food, chew slowly and sip liquids. Avoid hard, crunchy and spicy
foods, alcohol and tobacco.
Remember: See your
dentist at least two weeks before beginning cancer treatment. It is crucial
that your dentist is a well-informed member of your cancer treatment team.
Working with your other health care providers, your dentist can help you
avoid the painful oral complications that could cause you to discontinue
your cancer therapy. back
