
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:
- 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.