Cancer

The mouth may be affected by certain medications or dosages used for chemotherapy and by radiation therapy of the head and neck. It is important to schedule a complete dental exam and complete all recommended treatment prior to starting cancer therapy.
 

SIDE EFFECTS:



• Mucositis, causing pain, redness, swelling and burning in the mouth.
• Damage to tooth enamel
• Sore, stiff jaw.
• Generalized mouth pain.
• Dry mouth.
• Altered taste sense
• Bacterial, yeast or viral infections in the mouth.
• Tooth decay due to radiation therapy.
   

HELPFUL TIPS:

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• Schedule a thorough dental exam and complete all recommended treatment before beginning therapy.
• Strictly follow the oral hygiene routine recommended by your dentist.
• Brush teeth twice a day with a high-fluoride concentrated toothpaste prescribed by a dentist.
• If dry mouth is a problem, drink at least eight glasses of water a day, suck on ice chips, and chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy to produce saliva.
• Remove dentures if they cause pain.
• Maintain regular; periodic dental cleanings that include a fluoride varnish application by a professional hygienist.