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Cancer & Oral Care
“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 treatment. Persons who undergo cancer treatment are sometimes unaware that a dental examination is a critical step in maintaining their overall health.Someone who is receiving radiation therapy of the head and neck area, or has a history of such treatment, may develop certain complications including dry mouth, sensitive lesions in the oral cavity, hypersensitive teeth, rapid tooth decay and difficulty swallowing, chewing, and eating. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also have significant effects on the oral cavity.” ~ American Dental Association Three Good Reasons to Help Your Mouth BEFORE Cancer Treatment - FEEL BETTER… Cancer treatment may cause side effects in your mouth. Implementing a rigorous oral relief protocol before treatment starts can help prevent painful mouth problems from occurring.
- SAVE YOUR MOUTH… An oral relief protocol will help clean, moisten, lubricate, and protect your mouth, teeth, and bones from damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- FIGHT CANCER… Serious side effects in the mouth can delay, or even stop, cancer treatment. To fight cancer best, your cancer care team should include a dental professional, who is responsible for initiating an oral care protocol for treatment.
Cancer & Oral Care - Pre-Treatment
Recently diagnosed cancer patients should pay immediate attention to their oral health, by taking the recommended measures to identify, stabilize and/or eliminate potential sources of oral discomfort. Early on, patients should prepare to face the oral discomfort challenges associated with planned cancer treatment.Causes of oral discomfort occur: in almost all patients receiving radiation for head and neck malignancies, in more than 75% of bone marrow transplant recipients, and in nearly 40% of patients receiving chemotherapy. Some sources of oral discomfort occur only during treatment, while others, such as Dry mouth (Xerostomia) may persist for years.
What should I do to prepare my mouth for cancer treatment?You can help reduce the risk and severity of oral discomfort, commonly associated with cancer therapies, by optimizing the health of your mouth in advance of the treatment. Oral discomfort often occurs because a patient’s mouth, at the start of treatment, is in poor health and at a high risk to develop:Mouth sores (Oral Mucositis) - inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes; can increase risk of pain, oral and systemic infection, and nutritional compromise
Infection- viral, bacterial, and fungal; results from dry mouth (Xerostomia) and damage to the mucosa from chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Dry mouth (Xerostomia)- dryness of the mouth due to reduced or absent salivary flow; increases risk of oral infections, including oral thrush (Candidiasis), Stomatitis, Gingivitis, ulcers, and sores
Functional disabilities- impaired ability to chew, digest and swallow. Impaired ability to speak because of Mucositis, Xerostomia, and oral infections
Taste alterations- changes in taste perception of foods, ranging, from unpleasant to tasteless
Nutritional compromise- eating difficulties caused by oral discomfort can lead to nutritional deficiency that negatively impacts cancer treatment
Tooth demineralization- erosion of the tooth’s surface as a result of changes in both the quality and quantity of saliva from cancer treatment can lead to progressive decay and cavities
Bleeding gums- interproximal buildup of plaque bacteria can lead to ongoing oral bleeding during and after therapies
Radiation caries- lifelong risk of rampant dental decay and cavities as a result of cancer treatment.
Cancer & Oral Care - In-Treatment
Consistent oral protocol compliance is especially important during cancer therapies to support overall success. As therapy progresses there is an increasing risk of developing serious oral complications, including Mucositis, Xerostomia, and Candidiasis. What can I expect during treatment?The oral response varies from the kind of cancer you have and the type of therapy you’re receiving. Frequently arising oral problems during treatment include: - Oral thrush (Candidiasis)
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
- Mouth sores (Oral Mucositis)
- Viral, bacterial, and/or fungal oral infections
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
- Taste alterations
- Difficulty in speaking
- Oral bleeding
What should I do to minimize oral problems?It is imperative to follow a high compliance oral hygiene protocol that will provide the benefits needed for relief. Utilizing a safe and effective, step-by-step oral relief protocol will provide patients with cleansing, lubricating, moisturizing, protecting, and saliva enhancing benefits. Consistent use gives you the best chance to minimize the impact of oral problems. Why is saliva so important?Saliva is crucial in protecting the mouth from infections. Damage to the salivary glands often occurs during chemotherapy and radiation therapy and may increase the risk of oral infections. Saliva enhancing ingredients stimulate damaged salivary glands to produce saliva. Why is there an increased risk of oral infection?As a result of treatment, the immune system is weakened and the presence of Mucositis breaks down the protective lining of soft tissue in the mouth. It allows germs and viruses to get into the bloodstream and increases the risk of viral, bacterial, and/or fungal infections, including Candidiasis.
Cancer & Oral Care - Post-TreatmentLifelong oral care is essentialOnce cancer treatment has been completed, continuing good oral hygiene can reduce lifelong complications such as cavities, mouth sores, and infections. Certain complications, such as Xerostomia, can persist for years. Lifelong daily oral care and relief and good nutrition are especially important for one’s overall oral and general health.
What should I do for my mouth?Now that treatment has been completed, it is time to focus on practicing good daily oral hygiene. Following chemotherapy and radiation therapy, you are still at high risk of developing oral infections, sores, and dry mouth. Key points to remember after treatment include:Infection - Damage to the lining of the mouth and a weakened immune system make it easier for infection to occur.
Cleaning the mouth- Daily flossing, brushing, and rinsing will help balance the natural flora of the mouth.
Dry mouth (Xerostomia)- Saliva is needed for tasting, swallowing, and speaking. It helps prevent infection and tooth decay by neutralizing acid and cleaning the teeth and gums. Utilizing a product with saliva enhancing ingredients may be used to help stimulate saliva production and provide relief from oral discomfort.
Tooth decay- Dry mouth and changes in the balance of oral bacteria increase the risk of tooth decay.
Mouth sores, burning tongue, & tooth sensitivity- These common oral complications that occur after treatment can be relieved by following a daily oral protocol.
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