Patients having treatment for cancer face particular challenges with maintaining their teeth. Fortunately most of these challenges are temporary and can be addressed by taking some additional measures with your oral hygiene.
Radiation Treatment
- Sloughing of the gingival
- Damage to the salivary glands
- Hyposalivation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dietary restrictions
Chemotherapy
- Medication induced hyposalivation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dietary restrictions
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is key to getting through these challenges without damaging your teeth permanently.
Basic Oral Hygiene – must be maintained strictly
- Brushing 2-3 times per day
- Do not rinse
- Nothing to eat/drink for 20 minutes after brushing
- Flossing DAILY
Extra Measures
- Tooth Mousse
- Chlorhexidine mouthrinses (eg Savacol)
- Best used before, or 20 mins after, brushing
- Can be used in spray bottle
- Best to choose alcohol free (alcohol dries the mouth)
- Hydration
- Oral lubricants (eg Biotene)
Dental Review
- To be done before commencement of treatment – to ensure that everything is stable before you start
- More regularly during and for the first 12-36 months after treatment (depending on the severity of treatment and after effects) – every 3 months