Did you know that more than a third of patients fighting cancer experience complications related to their oral health??
This information might surprise you., since most people tend to be more familiar with the common side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea or hair loss, but they are often unaware of how cancer can influence oral health.
Relationship between cancer treatments and oral health
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Surgery or a combination of these procedures is the measure to fight cancer and although these treatments are essential to combat and defeat the disease, They can also lead to side effects that must be taken into account to ensure the continuity and success of the treatment..
Among the various complications that may arise, those related to oral health are as common as they are little known. Treatments can make eating difficult, chewing and even swallowing, which not only affects the patient's quality of life, but can also lead to the need to adjust, delay or even stop treatment.
Oral effects of cancer treatments?
One of the most important things before starting any cancer treatment, is that the patient knows the possible oral complications that may occur and understands what their causes are in order to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.. In the case of chemotherapy, the drugs used reduce or stop the growth of rapidly proliferating cells, like cancer cells. The problem is that they can also damage normal, healthy cells., including those in the mouth, affecting the ability of oral tissue to repair itself and causing painful mouth ulcers. further, chemotherapy can cause fewer white blood cells to be produced, which can cause infections more frequently.
For your part, radiation can directly affect oral tissue, salivary glands and bones, producing anything from short-term complications to permanent damage.
In summary, Oral complications caused by cancer treatments are usually;
- Mouth ulcers (mucositis oral).
- Dry mouth or xerostomia.
- Tooth decay and other gum diseases.
- Viral infections, bacterial and fungal.
- Difficulty to swallow (dysphagia).
- Changes in the sense of taste.
- Tissue deterioration, bones or muscles.
- Changes in dental growth and development.
How to mitigate the complications of cancer in oral health?
If this would be possible, It is recommended that the patient go to the dentist between 3 Y 4 weeks before starting treatment, with the purpose of evaluating oral health and identifying dental problems such as cavities, gum disease or fractures, that could worsen dramatically after starting treatment. If it is not possible to make this prior diagnosis, There are some measures that can be taken to improve oral health during treatment.. Some of them are:
- Brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day.
- Use a mild toothpaste, with fluoride and without flavorings.
- Floss daily.
- Use antibacterial rinse between 2 Y 3 times a day to prevent
gum diseases. - Eat healthy, avoiding spicy foods, very acidic,
hard or sugary. - Avoid tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
- Keep your mouth moist to prevent the appearance of mouth ulcers.
In case they appear, It is normal for the dentist to recommend
rinses, mouth gels or medications to relieve mouth ulcers
boca. - If you suffer from pain frequently, your dentist may recommend
the use of medications to relieve oral pain. - In case of infections, the dentist will most likely prescribe
antibiotics.
Take care of your oral health with Microdental! We invite you to schedule a review
oral to detect and prevent possible complications
