Healthy Teeth and Gums during Breast Cancer Treatment:

As October is breast cancer awareness month, I thought I would spend some time explaining the importance of oral health and its relation to cancer therapies.  Cancer therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy both can affect the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue in many ways.  However, if a woman is having surgery to remove a tumor in her breast, for example, then the oral tissues will not be harmed.

Why does chemotherapy affect the oral tissue? Simply, chemotherapy destroys the white blood cells in the body which protect against infection.  Thus, there is a higher risk of infection with dental or gum treatment during and following chemotherapy regimes.  It is best to have clearance from the oncologist prior to having any invasive dental treatment.  However, routine teeth cleanings are recommended and encouraged before, during, and after treatment.

Oral Health Complications with Cancer Treatment:

Mucositis: inflammation of the tissues in the mouth.  This can be extremely painful and feels as a sunburn might on the skin.  This painful inflammation can lead to difficulty swallowing, alter taste, decrease appetite, affect sleep and speech.

Xerostomia: (Dry mouth) Can be a side effect of cancer therapies.

Tooth Decay:  an increase of tooth decay can occur if excess acid is produced with nausea/vomiting.  Also, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay.

Bone problems in Jaw

What Dental Treatment is Needed Before Cancer Treatment?

*Any Recommended dental treatment

*Maintain teeth cleaning and increase to 3 month intervals

What Dental Therapies are Needed Before/During/After Cancer Treatment?

*Use dental products that contain Xylitol to decrease acidity and stimulate healthy saliva flow

*Use excellent dental hygiene at home; proper toothbrushing and flossing

If you are looking for a dentist to assist you in your dental needs please call my Biological Cosmetic dental office at (951)686-3666.  We are conveniently located just off of the 91 freeway in Riverside, Ca.