The Type Of Toothpaste You Use Matters, and Here’s Why

Why Is It So Important For A Cancer Patient To Choose A Good, Non-Toxic Toothpaste

How Cancer Treatment Can Affect Patients Mouth

In her years of experience working as a surgical oncologist, Dr. Shyamali Singhal had an opportunity to witness how some cancer treatments, including radiation therapy to the head and neck, may affect the cells that are in the mouth and digestive tract. This is known as mucositis.

Mucositis can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and sores on the lining of patients' mouth, tongue, and lips. Cancer patients may experience some mouth and throat discomfort that can make it hard to eat or swallow. These symptoms may begin 3 to 10 days after treatment starts. How quickly they go away depends on the immune system of a specific patient and the treatment they’re receiving.

Patients who undergo cancer treatment are sometimes unaware that it can affect the teeth, gums, salivary glands, and other oral tissues. In some cases, patients delay or stop their cancer treatment because they experience painful side effects in their mouths.

Managing Oral Side Effects

To help manage these oral side effects, cancer patients dentist and oncologist can work together — before and during cancer treatment — to make recovery as comfortable as possible.

When possible, Dr. Singhal advises patients to schedule a thorough dental checkup at least two weeks before treatment begins. At this visit, cancer patients can update your medical history record and provide the telephone number for the physician who is handling cancer therapy.

During cancer treatment, cancer patients should continue to gently brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste unless the dentist recommends otherwise. Patients who receive cancer treatment of the head and neck sometimes discover that they cannot tolerate the flavor of their regular toothpaste. If this happens, patients can try another flavor that will not irritate mouth tissues.

Chemotherapy Can Increase The Risk Of Infection

Chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells. Cancer cells and some normal cells, such as those lining the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow cells, and hair cells, divide rapidly.

Chemotherapy cannot tell the difference between normal cells and malignant cells and sometimes injures both. Chemotherapy may lower white blood cell count, platelet count, and red blood cell count. This is known as bone marrow suppression (another name is myelosuppression). This increases the risk of infection and/or bleeding.

If a patient has a pre-existing dental infection such as cavities, abscesses, or gum (periodontal) disease, the infection may become worse. In addition, the gums may bleed easily if they are irritated or swollen.

Remedies For Mouth Sores

Dr. Singhal warns, that chemotherapy may also cause mouth sores (mucositis). These sores usually heal in one to two weeks; however, more serious ulcers may become infected with bacteria or yeast that are commonly found in the mouth. Irritation from sharp teeth or fillings may worsen the condition. Medications to prevent sores and help with discomfort are available and can be prescribed for patients. As a comfort, Dr. Singhal advises patients to use ice chips or sugar-free popsicles, to suck on while receiving chemotherapy. Research has shown this may decrease mouth sores by 60 percent. 

Coping With Teeth And Mouth Problems

There are things cancer patients can do to help themselves cope with these problems. It is important to tell the doctor or nurse as soon as mouth problems start developing. They can check for infections and give advice about the situation. If patients start feeling unwell or have a high temperature, Dr. Singhal advises them to contact the hospital.

Certain mouthwashes can be also advised, protective gels or painkillers to ease any discomfort a patient may have. If mouth problems mean cancer patients are finding it difficult to eat or drink enough, they should immediately tell the doctor or nurse. They can prescribe supplements or treatments that can help.

Some people find that chemotherapy affects their appetite and sense of taste. There are ways to make food more appealing. Some patients may find it helpful to discuss this with a dietitian at the hospital.

Consulting The Dentist

Although these side effects are unpleasant, they will improve and gradually go away after the treatment is over.

Dentistry is an ongoing science, based on evidence and communication, so why not build up a rapport with local oncology department and team, perhaps arranging a visit to them as they will be more than happy to help with current guidelines and answer any questions a patient can have.

Of course, cancer patients should consult their dentist before purchasing toothpaste with additives. Some patients may not need the extra cavity protection and could end up spending too much even though a little fluoride certainly won't cause problems for most people. Some people end up buying whitening toothpaste that causes sensitivity problems, then start paying more for sensitivity toothpaste instead. In general, teeth should be white enough if they are just brushed properly. Avoiding vices like coffee, cigarettes, sodas, and sour candies are important also. In fact, just avoid sipping and drinking water can limit the harm to the teeth caused by sugary drinks and coffee. In some cases, patients may need a special toothpaste, but most people can stick with the regular toothpaste if they follow good dental care guidelines.

FDA and ADA Seal of Approval

One last factor that Dr. Singhal advises cancer patients to consider is if the toothpaste is approved by the FDA or the ADA. If the tube of toothpaste is stamped with an FDA or ADA approval, then it must be ok to use. The FDA put all consumable items to a number of rigid examinations if they can satisfy their requirements for public safety. It is the same as the ADA. 

Dr. Singhal suggests using Cleure Original Toothpaste, the original great-tasting natural flavorless toothpaste without SLS. Dermatologists report toothpaste flavors containing the mint family, as one of the top allergens that result in inflammation and rash around the outside and inside of the mouth. Cleure is the #1 great tasting flavorless natural toothpaste without mint or menthol. With added dicalcium phosphate and xylitol to help reverse the initial stages of tooth decay and help with dry mouth. Cleure flavorless toothpaste is also excellent for sensitive teeth.