In severe cases with heavy decay, we may recommend using Gel-Kam or other strong fluoride toothpaste like Prevident 5000 or CTX5000, and placing fluoride gel in the trays overnight.
Use a fluoride toothpaste or baking soda with fluoride.
Remember that patients who had head and neck radiation therapy may have xerostomia long after cancer therapy ends and will still need preventive care. To help prevent dental caries, a prescription-level fluoride toothpaste is a great recommendation, such as Colgate PreviDent 5000 Dry Mouth.
The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to remove plaque and bacteria regularly. So, during cancer treatment, be sure to attend six-month dental cleanings and checkups. Call your dentist if you have questions about oral abnormalities or other concerns.
Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy. Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth. Clean your mouth, tongue, and gums. Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime.
Magic mouthwash is a mouth rinse often prescribed for people with mouth sores (oral mucositis) caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some targeted therapies. It is also used for oral thrush and oral pain caused by certain infections.
Choose soft, bland foods.
Pick side dishes like cottage or ricotta cheese, macaroni and cheese, mashed white or sweet potatoes, and rice or risotto. Try desserts like custard, tapioca pudding, ice cream, milkshakes, and sherbet. Choose snacks like applesauce, gelatin, smoothies, and yogurt.
Although chemo effectively kills cancer cells, it may also harm or kill healthy cells. If the chemotherapy medicines harm cells in your mouth such as your teeth, gums, or saliva glands, side effects can include: Painful teeth or gums. Loose teeth in children. Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia.
Yes, that's right. Certain chemotherapies can actually result in phantom tooth pain in teeth that have no evidence of dental decay and in areas of the mouth with no evidence of dental infection. Patients may complain of throbbing lower jaw pain.
The most appropriate time to schedule dental treatment during chemotherapy is after patients' blood counts have recovered, usually just prior to their next scheduled round or course of chemotherapy.
Concerns about Fluoride Toxicity
Excess fluoride ingestion is linked to dental fluorosis, a condition that causes tooth enamel to become discoloured and which when present can indicate that the rest of your body has been overexposed to fluoride as well.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is less abrasive than fluoride toothpaste, so if your teeth are sensitive, it may be a good option for you. Hydroxyapatite can help lessen sensitivity and prevent cavities. Because of its remineralizing properties, hydroxyapatite has highly beneficial effects on your teeth.
Benefits of Hydroxyapatite over Fluoride Toothpastes
Both fluoride and hydroxyapatite can remineralize tooth structure, but here's why I prefer to recommend hydroxyapatite over fluoride: Oral microbiome friendly: Although both have antibacterial properties, fluoride kills decay-causing bacteria and some good bacteria.
Chemotherapy may cause a temporary decrease in immune cells, increasing your risk of gum disease and causing them to become red, swollen, and tender. Brushing and eating may become painful, and, in some cases, the gums may also pull away from the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
Dental issues.
If you don't produce enough saliva because of cancer treatment, plaque can build up more easily on your teeth. Plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Tip: Practice good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing.
Some chemo medicines can cause painful side effects. For instance, if they cause nerve damage, you may have burning, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in your fingers or toes. This is called neuropathy. Some chemo medicines can cause mouth sores, headaches, muscle aches, and stomach pains.
Around the third day following a chemotherapy treatment, some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and pains. If you experience these aches, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil. If necessary, contact your doctor for stronger medication.
Cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy or head and neck radiation therapy can cause tooth discoloration.
Most people have bad breath at some time or other. But cancer and treatment might make it worse. It might help to clean your teeth or dentures regularly. And you can use alcohol free mouthwashes after cleaning or eating.
The American Cancer Society recommends a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. The most advantageous way to eat dark chocolate without any added ingredients such as caramel, peanut butter, marshmallow, etc.
Drinking enough water and fluids will help to flush out some of the toxins that are released during chemotherapy or radiation therapy as well as help prevent future health problems. Drinking fresh-pressed juices is a great way to get your nutrients and vitamins back in your body after being pumped with toxic chemicals.
Give them a friendly hand squeeze or hug – it can go a long way. Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you're thinking of them. Let them know that if they want to talk you'll be there to listen - then make sure you are available. Respect their need for privacy.
A saltwater rinse can be performed three to four times a week, but it is important that you don't go beyond this because salt contains sodium, and too much sodium can impact your tooth enamel negatively.