Whether you’re newly diagnosed with cancer, going through treatment, or approaching survivorship, it’s important to always pay close attention to your dental health. While you understandably may feel like dealing with your dentist is the last thing you feel like prioritizing, your oncology team may advise you to involve your dentist after a cancer diagnosis. There are a number of cancer treatments that can influence your dental health, so taking a proactive approach to your oral hygiene by looping your dentist into these conversations is vital.
Understanding the connection between cancer treatment and oral health
Oral issues can affect patients with any type of cancer, but they are especially common for cancers that directly affect the head, neck, and mouth. Chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments can affect your oral health and lead to mouth or jaw pain, mouth sores, dry mouth, or soreness in your gums. With chemotherapy affecting the immune system, your body may also be more susceptible to infections.
There are also certain cancer medications that can weaken your bones and may have an effect on your gums and jawbone. Understanding your dental health and treating any existing oral issues (broken teeth, cavities, gum disease) before undergoing treatment is an important step to reducing your risk for oral complications and infections.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is critical throughout treatment. While your dentist and care team will likely provide a specific regimen for you to follow, below are some key points to keep in mind:
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol
- Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth often
- Stay hydrated to keep your mouth moist
- Avoid foods that will irritate your gums (e.g. acidic foods, carbonated beverages, gummy candy)
- Keep dentures clean, if you wear them
- Update your care team with any changes to your oral health
Preventing complications before treatment
Your dentist is an important member of your care team and it’s recommended to see your dentist prior to your treatment start date if possible. Your dentist may need to complete a comprehensive teeth cleaning and assess if work needs to be done (cavities, root canals, etc). If your dentist thinks your teeth are at high risk for infection or decay, they can work preventatively and proactively with your care team to navigate your oral health.
If you don’t currently have health insurance, consult your oncology social worker who might be able to point you to resources, including dental schools in your area that may offer free or greatly reduced treatment. The Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit consortium of volunteer dentists that offer services to patients at no cost; consult the organization’s website to see if you’re eligible and apply.
Dental health after treatment
Taking care of your oral hygiene continues even after treatment. Emerging data suggests that gum disease and teeth loss may be linked to stomach and colorectal cancers. By maintaining gum, tooth, and overall mouth health, you may lower your risk of certain cancers and other health conditions including diabetes and heart disease.
After treatment, you may notice oral issues that weren’t present before your cancer diagnosis. Changes in taste, dry mouth, sensitivity, jaw tightness, and other symptoms could persist after finishing treatment. Bring up any side effects with your care team and dentist to address these issues right away.
Remember that regardless of your diagnosis, your dental health is an important step to your overall health. If you don’t have a dentist, ask your oncology care team for a recommendation.
This is not medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider for any specific questions about your own health. For general cancer-related queries, connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.
