The Oral Effects of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
How Does Oral Cancer Affect Our Mouths?
There are a number of ways that oral cancer treatment affects our mouths. Many patients experience oral lesions, dry oral tissues and decreased saliva, an increase in tooth decay, and oral fungal infections called thrush. Many attempts to stave off these symptoms and occurrences include brushing several times a day with a recommended toothpaste and also cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or a flossing aid. These attempts will go a long way toward protecting your oral health.
We’ve included some ideas below to help you with each of the previously mentioned ailments:
ORAL LESIONS AND SORES
Oral sores frequently show up during cancer treatment. The sores can appear as only redness to an actual open and very painful ulcer. Elevation Family Dental is here to help you or your loved one manage this discomfort with either a numbing cream or a gel that is applied to the area. This ointment can help sooth the area and reduce the pain. Let Dr. Chamberlain know if you develop a sore.
DRY MOUTH
A dry mouth is also frequently experienced after cancer treatment for the head and neck. The reason for this is the salivary glands, which produce saliva and keep your mouth moist, are often compromised by the cancer treatment. Below are some common tricks you can try to make yourself more comfortable:
use sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free sweets, this may help increase the salivary flow
sip on water at mealtime to help aid in swallowing
suck on ice chips but do not chew because ice often break teeth
Alcohol can exacerbate the dryness of your mouth and avoiding it is encouraged. Let Dr. Chamberlain know if dry mouth is something you or your loved one is experiencing. Artificial saliva is available to the more severe cases.
TOOTH DECAY
There is an increased risk of experiencing tooth decay during and even long after cancer treatment has terminated. This is because of the temporary or long term reduced flow of saliva. Saliva is so important not only for washing food particles naturally off your teeth and gums, but it also contains the cavity fighter fluoride and natural components that heal teeth. Saliva washes the teeth with fluoride ions which makes the enamel layer of the tooth hardier. When we experience a reduces saliva flow and reduced fluoride, our teeth are at a much higher risk of developing tooth decay. Our goal at Elevation Family Dental is to help you protect your teeth. There are mouth rinses and toothpastes that have a high fluoride content that Dr. Chamberlain can prescribe. Also, fluoride gel treatments and gel trays can be given in the dental office and used at home. Dr. Chamberlain can talk with you about which approach would be best.
ORAL INFECTIONS
Many cancer patients also experience oral infections during treatment for head and neck cancer. A very common mouth infection is the yeast infection that we know as thrush. In the mouth, thrush manifests as whitish patches that can be rubbed away to reveal tender spots that sometimes bleed. Thrush can often be treated with gels, creams, powders, or mouth rinses. Often these topical treatments are helpful; however, if not Dr. Chamberlain may prescribe a pill or lozenge to more effectively treat the thrush.
MAKE YOUR DENTIST PART OF YOUR TEAM
Make Dr. Chamberlain a part of your treatment team as soon as possible. When possible make an appointment before your cancer treatment begins. Dr. Chamberlain can help ensure that you do not have an oral condition that may further complicate your cancer treatment. He will review your entire dental health and consult with you during your treatment, if necessary. Dr. Chamberlain has a good understanding of the effects cancer treatment will have on your mouth and how to treat them.
IN CONCLUSION
Cancer treatment can have lasting effects on you oral health and the sooner you bring to our attention at Elevation Family Dental, the sooner we can start making adjustments to prevent future problems. We value you as a patient and want to keep you safe and comfortable.
