Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause changes in the lining of the mouth and the salivary glands, which make saliva. This can upset the healthy balance of bacteria. These changes may lead to mouth sores, infections, and tooth decay.
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.
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.
Peripheral neuropathy originated from cytotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs may cause severe localized pulpalgia in intact teeth.
Mouth care during cancer treatment:
Let the toothbrush air-dry between brushings and replace the brush often. Avoid mint flavored or other strong flavored toothpaste or toothpaste with whitening ingredients, which may irritate the mouth. Instead choose a mild flavored fluoride toothpaste.
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.
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.
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.
Teeth breaking from chemotherapy side effects is a possibility. You'll want to get a dental health checkup and talk about treatment options with your dentist. They might suggest a steroid rinse or a topical anti-inflammatory. They might also prescribe an antifungal and antibacterial rinse.
Removing teeth before chemotherapy reduces the risk that tooth decay will spread in the mouth and cause cavities to develop. Treating cavities is extremely difficult in cancer patients, so many dentists and oral surgeons recommend extracting the teeth which eliminates the problem.
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.
Toxic effects of chemotherapy in the oral cavity may include ulcerative mucositis/stomatitis, xerostomia, salivary gland dysfunction, oral infections, and oral sores. Oral infections can result in periodontal changes with advanced attachment loss and mobility.
Targeted cancer drugs and immunotherapy can also cause a sore mouth. A sore mouth caused by chemotherapy usually happens about 7 days after you start treatment and is at its worst around days 10 to 14. It gradually clears up about 2 weeks after it started.
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.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva (spit).
Doxorubicin is considered one of the strongest chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it's used to treat a wide variety of cancers, not just breast cancer. Doxorubicin is also known as “The Red Devil” because it is a clear bright red color.
Chemotherapy can lead to weight gain by: Causing the body to hold on to excess fluid, called edema. Causing fatigue, making it harder to exercise. Increasing nausea that improves by eating more food.
For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.
Short, planned delays in chemotherapy for good-risk GCT patients (less than or equal to 7 days per cycle) appear to be acceptable since they may prevent serious toxicity in this curable patient population. Delays of longer than 7 days are strongly discouraged except in extraordinary life-threatening circumstances.
The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.
Additionally, a fiber called pectin is also found in bananas. This fiber is very beneficial for those experiencing diarrhea caused by cancer treatments. Because bananas are also rich in potassium, they can also help replenish electrolytes lost through vomiting or diarrhea.
For 48 hours after receiving chemotherapy, patients and caregivers should follow these precautions: Flush toilets twice each time they are used. If possible, patients should use a separate toilet from others in the home. Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet.