The Importance Of Maintaining Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
Posted on 7/24/2023 by Brandon Cooley
Cancer treatment can take a toll on not just your body in general but also on the dental cavity. Maintaining good oral health is one way of efficiently living through the treatment. Note that all forms of cancer treatment be it chemotherapy or radiotherapy can cause oral hazards if not carefully managed.
Oral complications associated with cancer treatments
Regardless of how healthy your tissues are, cancer treatment can affect both malignant and healthy cells. The most common side effects include but are not limited to painful sores in the mouth, a dry mouth, changes in taste, teeth decay, bleeding gums, pain in the mouth nerves, and impairment in teeth development especially for children. With good dental hygiene, you will not only avoid certain infections but will also diminish the effects that naturally come with cancer. For instance, with a sore mouth, it may become difficult for you to maintain healthy nutrition due to chewing difficulties. A clean mouth free of plaque accumulation is a sure step towards managing infections and complications.
Care tips
Whereas some effects are unavoidable, others can be avoided with good dental care practice. During cancer treatment, it is good to see a dentist who will help you avert or minimize oral complications. Brushing your teeth twice a day and if possible after every meal can help reduce the chances of tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum and ensuring that you are hydrated is essential in cleaning leftover debris and bacteria stuck in the gums. After vomiting, rinsing the mouth with water is essential. Ensure that you exercise the jaw frequently so that it does not remain stiff for a long time. Opening your mouth as far as you can several times a day is a good starting point. With good oral health, you are certain that infections in the mouth will not spread to the bloodstream and thus creating more problems during the cancer treatment. You have a crucial role in reducing the problems in the mouth while undergoing treatment. Allow us to walk the dental journey with you as you undergo treatment. We are a call away. Go ahead and reach out today.
Cancer treatment can take a toll on not just your body in general but also on the dental cavity. Maintaining good oral health is one way of efficiently living through the treatment. Note that all forms of cancer treatment be it chemotherapy or radiotherapy can cause oral hazards if not carefully managed.