Mint Dental Helps Cancer Patients with Oral Complications of Their Cancer Treatment
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, oral complications occur in virtually all patients receiving radiation for head and neck malignancies, in approximately 80 percent of stem cell transplant recipients, and in nearly 40 percent of patients receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often impairs the function of bone marrow, suppressing the formation of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Some cancer treatments have toxic effects on the oral tissues.
Here are some of the common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes that is painful and makes it uncomfortable to eat, swallow, and speak.
- Infection due to viruses, bacteria, or fungus, resulting from dry mouth (xerostomia), and/or damage to the mucosa from chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Dry mouth (xerostomia/salivary gland dysfunction) due to thickened, reduced, or absent salivary flow, making it uncomfortable and difficult to speak, chew, and swallow.
- Changes in taste perception of foods, ranging from unpleasant to tasteless.
Other complications of chemotherapy may include oral bleeding from decreased platelets and tooth pain related to certain drugs. With radiation therapy, there is increased risk for dental decay due to dry mouth, loss of elasticity of the chewing muscles, restricting the ability to open the mouth, and decreased ability to heal in traumatized blood and bone tissues. In many cases, dry mouth continues for years.
Dr. Monika Aneja has advanced dental education in the oral health treatment of cancer patients. We are here to help Bradenton, FL area cancer patients with oral complications.
Cancer Patients, Call Mint Dental for Oral Health Evaluation and Treatment as Soon as Possible
Before cancer treatment, Dr. Aneja can establish a baseline for your oral health. And, she can identify and treat oral health problems that could contribute to oral complications during your therapy. She will educate you about oral health changes to expect during your cancer therapy and special home care for your mouth, as well as foods and beverages to avoid.
Dr. Aneja will carefully monitor your oral health during and after cancer therapy to prevent, identify and treat complications as soon as possible. With your permission, she will communicate with your oncologist and carefully coordinate any needed dental work and prescribed oral health medications.