Were you diagnosed with cancer? This scary disease, if not in a too
advanced stage, can be treated or slowed down with chemotherapy and
radiation therapy. Those methods of treatment can be very effective, but
often have very uncomfortable or even painful side effects that can
occur all over your body, including your mouth. Teeth, gums, oral tissues and salivary glands can all be affected.
Some of the oral problems caused by cancer therapy can be so agonizing that a patient might need to delay or stop the treatment. But knowing about these side effects can help you reduce and manage them, with the help of your physician and your dentist.
Chemotherapy
and radiation therapy can have oral side effects that vary depending of
the type of cancer and the intensity of the treatment. Those side
effects can display themselves in different manners:
going a cancer treatment, you might experience nausea and a loss of appetite. But it’s important to get the right amount of nutrients and calories. Protein intake is something important to consider as well. You must also make sure you get enough vitamins by eating fruits and vegetables. If needed, you may use vitamin supplements that also provide essential minerals.
The bones of your jaws support your teeth. Therefore when your bones are strong and healthy, you teeth have a stronger foundation to hold them when you eat and chew foods. Many doctors recommend taking vitamin D and calcium to keep your bones healthy. If you have bone diseases such as osteoporosis you may need additional supplements.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during cancer treatment. Tobacco is a strong carcinogen and should never be consumed in the first place, even less if you are diagnosed with cancer.
Acidic foods can irritate your mouth. You should avoid acidic, high-sugar beverages like soft drinks and energy drinks. Consumption of grapefruit, orange juice, and tomato juice should also be reduced because they are natural acidic foods.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (www.cancercenter.com).
Some of the oral problems caused by cancer therapy can be so agonizing that a patient might need to delay or stop the treatment. But knowing about these side effects can help you reduce and manage them, with the help of your physician and your dentist.
How can your mouth be affected?
Chemotherapy
and radiation therapy can have oral side effects that vary depending of
the type of cancer and the intensity of the treatment. Those side
effects can display themselves in different manners:- Xerostomia or dry mouth follows a reduced production of saliva because salivary glands are affected during treatments.
- Cavities can appear quickly because of the low amount of saliva.
- There might be a painful or burning feeling in the mouth, tongue and gums which also follow a low amount of saliva in the mouth.
- Jaws might experience stiffness.
- Problems with eating, speaking, and swallowing.
- The ability to taste foods decreases.
- Periodontal disease might emerge.
- The immune system weakens in general.
going a cancer treatment, you might experience nausea and a loss of appetite. But it’s important to get the right amount of nutrients and calories. Protein intake is something important to consider as well. You must also make sure you get enough vitamins by eating fruits and vegetables. If needed, you may use vitamin supplements that also provide essential minerals.
The bones of your jaws support your teeth. Therefore when your bones are strong and healthy, you teeth have a stronger foundation to hold them when you eat and chew foods. Many doctors recommend taking vitamin D and calcium to keep your bones healthy. If you have bone diseases such as osteoporosis you may need additional supplements.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during cancer treatment. Tobacco is a strong carcinogen and should never be consumed in the first place, even less if you are diagnosed with cancer.
Acidic foods can irritate your mouth. You should avoid acidic, high-sugar beverages like soft drinks and energy drinks. Consumption of grapefruit, orange juice, and tomato juice should also be reduced because they are natural acidic foods.
References
Cancer Information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (www.cancer.net).Cancer Treatment Centers of America (www.cancercenter.com).