Gums, Teeth, And Chemotherapy

How Chemotherapy Can Affect Your Gums And Dr. Singhal’s Tips

Various cancer therapies have side effects that can affect your mouth, teeth, and salivary glands. Any of these problems affect the mouth and could cause you to pause or stop treatment. Here we discuss the ways to avoid such events.

Chemotherapy Can Cause Mouth Related Issues

Various cancer therapies have side effects that affect a patient’s mouth, teeth, and salivary glands. Dental and oral side effects can cause difficulties. Dr. Shyamali Singhal, surgical oncologist and founder of H&B said that with regular care, you and your doctor can reduce the risk of these side effects and control them if they do happen. While chemotherapy helps treat cancer, it can also create side effects. Any of these problems affect the mouth and could cause you to pause or stop treatment - but there are ways to help reduce these obstacles so you’ll get the most from your cancer treatment. To help prevent severe problems, see a dentist at least two weeks before the beginning of chemotherapy.

Luckily, Some Of The Unwanted Effects Can Be Deterred

Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects involve problems with teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of the mouth; and the glands that make saliva, as well as an increased likelihood of cold sores and other mouth infections. 

More than a third of all cancer patients develop some complications that affect the mouth. These mild to severe side effects can involve mouth sores, infection, dry mouth, sore gums, and jaw pain. To reduce, prevent, and treat some of these side-effects, Dr. Singhal recommends Mouthwash Cranberry, an amazing mouthwash by our partner Cleure. Most commercial mouthwash only masks bad breath with flavor and alcohol. Cleure alcohol and fluoride-free mouthwash with baking soda and xylitol are effective for a clean, fresh mouth. Everybody really loves Mouthwash Cranberry.

Dr Singhal also recommends her patients, especially those experiencing mouth sores or difficulty swallowing due to chemotherapy or radiation, use Healios to benefit the health of epithelial cells and mucosal tissues which you can purchase from Amazon at the link or directly from the manufacturer for the same price. It is also highly rated by patients.

Mouth health is an indispensable part of your overall health, so make your dentist a real part of your cancer care team. If you don’t have a regular dentist visit scheduled ahead, look online for a dentist in your area.

Regular Dentist Appointments Are Really A Must

Radiation therapy can reduce the amount and density of your saliva. This raises your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Having great oral hygiene is essential in lowering your risk of these diseases. Your dentist may also suggest appropriate fluoride treatments throughout and after radiation therapy. This approach, along with a low-sugar diet, can help preserve your teeth. Your doctor or dentist may also prescribe workouts to prevent stiffness in the jaw.

You want to see the dentist at least two weeks before your chemotherapy begins. If you have previously started chemotherapy and didn’t go to a dentist, see one as soon as feasible. You should also see a dentist as advised or required throughout and after treatment. 

Quick Tips On Oral Hygiene 

To clean your mouth, tongue, and gums:

• Verify with your oncologist or dentist concerning any limitations or changes to brushing and flossing.

• Typically, you should brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal. If brushing hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.

• Avoid using mouthwashes with alcohol in them.

• Floss your teeth gently every day. 

• Use fluoride toothpaste.

• Use the special fluoride gel.

• For your lips, try Lindi Lip Balm.

• Talk to your oncologist or dentist about your dentures if you have them. 

• Choose foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow.

• Eat moistened, soft foods such as cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.

• Be conscious that spicy, salty, or acidic foods may irritate your mouth.

• Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.

• Stay away from sharp, crunchy foods that could file or cut your mouth.

• Sip water or a sugarless drink-through meals. This will make chewing and swallowing more comfortable. It may also enhance the taste of food.

Call your doctor or nurse when and if you feel your mouth hurts. Work with your health care team to find medicines and natural remedies to help control the pain. If the pain remains, talk to your oncologist about more powerful medicines.