How to take care of your mouth during chemotherapy – dental instructions
Jul 01
Author: jonathan penchas
Instructions for Oral Care during chemotherapy It is necessary that you understand the importance of good oral hygiene and preventive care before, during, and after chemotherapy. The purpose of chemotherapy is to reduce the growth of tumor cells. Unfortunately, tissues in the mouth are affected by chemotherapy and special care should be taken to help prevent infections in the mouth. Ways of preventing these problems start with an examination by a dentist. If any dental procedures are necessary before chemotherapy, they usually can be done while the bone can heal properly. Common Side Effects Dry Mouth is very common after the first week of therapy and may persist as a permanent effect. This depends on how and what type of drugs are given. This will vary from patient to patient. Mouth Ulcers are a common occurrence during chemotherapy. Sometimes, these ulcers are preventable by simple oral hygiene care and a cautious diet. These may occur on the lips, tongue, and roof of mouth and inside the check. Swollen gums are another side effect that may occur if tartar has accumulated around and below the gum line of your teeth. Dental Abscesses can occur if broken or impacted teeth are present during chemotherapy. Oral Hygiene A soft toothbrush held like a pen can be used carefully during radiotherapy. If the mouth is too sore to use a toothbrush, a folded square gauze pad can be moistened with water and gently wiped over the surfaces of the teeth and/ or gums instead. Rinsing the mouth with a salt and soda solution will remove food and debris which tends to accumulate in the mouth. (This is made by adding one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda to one quart of water). This solution can be used as often as necessary to provide a clean oral environment. Use specific bacteria destroying / dry mouth toothpaste and rinse. I recommend the carifree starter kit. Foods to Avoid-Avoid foods that have a rough consistency such as: tortilla chips, fried foods, nuts, etc. Avoid wearing complete dentures during chemotherapy, as this will promote nausea and vomiting. Wearing dentures will also promote development of mouth ulcers Avoid a prolonged dry mouth which may tend to develop during sleep. Keep plenty of water at bedside. Avoid carbonated beverages and juices that are acidic like grapefruit or orange juice. Avoid high alcohol containing mouthwashes like Listerine or Scope. Use only the salt and soda solution. If vomiting occurs, rinse with soda and salt solution; this will neutralize the stomach acid. Prolonged contact of stomach acid in the mouth will cause mouth ulcers.
About the Author: 
Dr. Jonathan Penchas’ education was obtained throughout the world. He attended schools in London, Jerusalem, Boston, Louisiana, and Texas. After completing dental school, he completed his specialty in Prosthodontics at Louisiana State University in New Orleans. In Houston, Texas he completed a fellowship in Dental Oncology (cancer dentistry), and Maxillofacial Prosthetics at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. Penchas served as a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor of Prosthodontics at the University of Texas in 1995 through 1996. He currently continues to teach part-time.
He is the founder of MidtownDentistry, A cosmetic dental group in downtown Houston, Texas.
www.penchasdentistry.com
office phone number (713) 807-9877
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Jul 01 at 22:21
[...] Author: jonathan penchas Instructions for Oral Care during chemotherapy It is necessary that you understand the importance of good oral hygiene and preventive care before, during, and after chemotherapy. The purpose of chemotherapy is to reduce the growth of tumor cells. Unfortunately, tissues in the mouth are affected by chemotherapy and special care should be taken to help prevent infections in the mouth. Ways of preventing these problems start with an examination by a dentist. If See more here: How to take care of your mouth during chemotherapy – dental instructions [...]
Jul 02 at 12:48
[...] Author: jonathan penchas Instructions for Oral Care during chemotherapy It is necessary that you understand the importance of good oral hygiene and preventive care before, during, and after chemotherapy. The purpose of chemotherapy is to reduce the growth of tumor cells. Unfortunately, tissues in the mouth are affected by chemotherapy and special care should be taken to help prevent infections in the mouth. Ways of preventing these problems start with an examination by a dentist. If See more here: How to take care of your mouth during chemotherapy – dental instructions [...]
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