(This page is intended for informational purposes only
and must not take the place of adequate dental examination, diagnosis, and treatment.)
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells by taxing some aspects
of their life cycles more than it taxes the life cycle of most normal cells. Some
normal cells in our body can be especially susceptible to the stress of chemotherapy.
The mucus membranes, or skin inside our mouth and throats, are especially tender to
these lifesaving medications. Therefore, people on chemotherapy for tumors anywhere
in their bodies often are plagued with what we call oral mucositis.
Mucositis is a soreness or even blistering of the mucus
membranes. Unchecked, it can prevent a person from eating and performing normal oral
hygiene activities.
Mucositis can be partly prevented by having your mouth
in the healthiest possible condition prior to starting chemotherapy. Studies show a
strong relation between gum health and resistance to mucositis. Schedule aggressive
dental care prior to starting chemotherapy, and then maintain your mouth and teeth as
clean as possible during your cancer treatment. Some patients feel that if they are
not taking much food by mouth then there is no need for oral hygiene. This is wrong.
Spicy foods, abrasive foods, and alcohol should be
avoided so as not to aggravate the sore tissues. Drink lots of water to maintain
your fluid balance and the moistness of your tissues.
Your dentist or oncologist may prescribe viscous
lidocaine (numbing agent) or some type of "Miracle Mix" (coating and numbing
mixture) to assist in your comfort if your mucositis is especially bad.
During and shortly after chemotherapy, consult with
your oncologist before having dental care. Often white blood counts and clotting
factors are at low levels and dental treatment should be postponed until after another
blood test.
Make sure that your dentist is aware and educated in
the issues regarding chemotherapy. Your oncologist should be able to help with any
questions.
More information on radiation
therapy
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