Dental Care During Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer is a disease that knows no bounds or discrimination and almost everyone knows someone battling and/or going through cancer treatment. Dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments can be harrowing; hair loss, nausea, changes in weight to name but a few. However, severe complications can also affect the mouth. The most common side effects from cancer treatment include dry mouth and sores of the digestive tract. These conditions can interrupt treatment and delay the healing process. Persistent dry mouth increases the risk for dental cavities. At Artistic Dental, Drs. John Dougherty and Prabidhi  Adhikari helping patients protect the mouth, teeth and jawbones from damage, while going through cancer treatment. 

Caring for your mouth during cancer treatment

Before beginning cancer treatment, schedule a dental appointment; most oncologists will require this, particularly if undergoing head or neck radiation. If dental surgery is required it will need to be carried out 7-14 days prior to the start of treatment to give time for healing. Here are a list of our top tips for caring for the mouth during cancer treatment:

• Brush with an extra soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after eating and at bedtime
• Gently floss once per day – avoid sores or areas that may bleed from sores
• Use prescription fluoride and trays as instructed by your dentist
• Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol rinses and use a saliva substitute if needed
• Use sugar-free gum, avoid glycerin swabs and toothpicks
• Eat softer foods and avoid spicy, sour and crunchy foods
• Limit alcohol consumption and discontinue all types of tobacco use

Artistic Dental Care Kits

During pre-treatment check-ups, or any time during treatment, Artistic Dental can provide the items and information required to help treat the side effects. Dr. John Dougherty is committed to keeping his patients comfortable during the treatment process but also wants to aid in preventing damage to the teeth and gums. Our dental care kits include:

• Ultra-soft toothbrushes (not available through local retailers)
• Prescription fluoride tooth gels and mouth trays
• Saliva substitute samples and prescriptions
• Dental care advise and information 

It is vital that you take a moment to check and care for your mouth every day, but especially during cancer treatment. Don’t hesitate to contact us when you first notice a mouth problem, when an old problem gets worse, or if you notice a change you’re uncertain about.

Our goal is to be a part of your cancer care team, help you feel better and to protect your mouth, while helping you successfully fight cancer!