How to care for your mouth during Oral Cancer Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with oral cancer, treatment is essential for recovery; unfortunately, just like many other types of cancer treatments, the treatment process for oral cancer can destroy whats left of your dental health. If you educate yourself, care for your teeth, and keep an eye out for any complications due to treatment, though, you can help curb the destructive effects of oral cancer treatment.

Pre-treatment

Its important to have an oral examination before you begin your cancer treatment. Not only does this ensure that you and your dentist have a better idea of to how to treat your teeth, but it also:

Diminishes the chance of oral complications later
Checks that there arent already any infections
Increases the chances of the treatment being successful

Possible complications

There are a number of complications that can occur during oral cancer treatment. These include:

Bleeding from the gums.
Infection (this can be bacterial, fungal or viral).
Oral mucositi, where the mucous membranes become inflamed or ulcerous.
Salivary gland dysfunction (xerostomia). The salivary flow becomes thicker, less, or even stops entirely, causing your mouth to feel dry.
Impaired function. Functions such as eating or swallowing are impaired due to any of the complications listed above.
Altered dental development. If the treatment is being carried out on a child under 9 years old, tooth development can be affected.
Neurotoxicity. This can be a side effect of chemotherapy and feels like tooth ache.
Radiation caries. These occur due to disruption to the saliva flow.
Tissue fibrosis, a condition where elasticity is lost in the masticatory muscles making mouth movement harder.

Treatments and teeth care

Although complications are generally inevitable with cancer treatment, even after pre-care, there are a number of treatments available to assist and prevent any further problems.

Fluoride treatments. Supplementary fluoride assists in preventing demineralization of your teeth. The most effective treatment is using a fluoride gel which can be applied via a tray or a toothbrush.
Saliva replacements. These can come in the form of either a spray, gel or a saliva stimulant. Other methods of treating a dry mouth include: Sipping water on a regular basis
Chewing sugar free gum
Sucking on ice cubes
Sucking on sugar free sweets

Teeth brushing

Make sure you use an extra soft tooth brush. If you still experience pain, soften the bristles using warm water. Make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth after eating and before you go to bed.

Flossing. Make sure to floss everyday, except where your gums are sore or bleeding.
Mouthwashes. Dont use mouthwashes which contain alcohol. You can make a solution with salt and baking soda. However, if youre already suffering from mucositis, dont use salt.
Jaw exercises. In order to prevent or help stiffness make sure to exercise your jaw at least 3 times daily.
Products to avoid:
- Sweets, gum and soda containing sugar
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods
- Tobacco
- Alcohol

While receiving treatment for oral cancer its important to be aware of the effect this may have on your health. This way you can be sure to take as many precautions as you can to prevent excess harm to your teeth and gums.

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