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Chemo and Your Mouth

Chemo and Your Mouth


Chemotherapy and Your Mouth



How Does Chemotherapy Affect the Mouth?

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva (spit).

It's important to know that side effects in the mouth can be serious.

  • The side effects can hurt and make it hard to eat, talk, and swallow.
  • You are more likely to get an infection, which can be dangerous when you are receiving cancer treatment.
  • If the side effects are bad, you may not be able to keep up with your cancer treatment. Your doctor may need to cut back on your cancer treatment or may even stop it.



What Mouth Problems Does Chemotherapy Cause?

You may have certain side effects in your mouth from chemotherapy. Another person may have different problems. The problems depend on the chemotherapy drugs and how your body reacts to them. You may have these problems only during treatment or for a short time after treatment ends.



Why Should I See a Dentist?

You may be surprised that we are important in your cancer treatment. If you see us before chemotherapy begins, you can help prevent serious mouth problems. Side effects often happen because a person's mouth is not healthy before chemotherapy starts. Not all mouth problems can be avoided but the fewer side effects you have, the more likely you will stay on your cancer treatment schedule.

It's important for us and your cancer doctor to talk to each other about your cancer treatment. Be sure to give us your cancer doctor's phone number.



When Should I See a Dentist?

You need to see us at least 2 weeks before chemotherapy begins. If you have already started chemotherapy and you have not seen us, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible.


  • What Will the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Do?Check your teeth.
  • Take x-rays.
  • Take care of mouth problems.
  • Show you how to take care of your mouth to prevent side effects.



What Can I Do To Keep My Mouth Healthy?

You can do a lot to keep your mouth healthy during chemotherapy. The first step is to see us before you start cancer treatment. Once your treatment starts, it's important to look in your mouth every day for sores or other changes. These tips can help prevent and treat a sore mouth:

  • Keep your mouth moist.
  • Drink a lot of water.
  • Suck ice chips.
  • Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy.
  • Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.
  • Clean your mouth, tongue, and gums.
  • Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If brushing hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Don't use mouthwashes with alcohol in them.
  • Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.
  • Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse.
  • Dentures that don't fit well can cause problems. Talk to your cancer doctor or us about your dentures.


If Your Mouth Is Sore, Watch What You Eat and Drink.

  • Choose foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow.
  • Take small bites of food, chew slowly, and sip liquids with your meals.
  • Eat soft, moist foods such as cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
  • If you have trouble swallowing, soften your food with gravy, sauces, broth, yogurt, or other liquids.
  • Call your doctor or nurse when your mouth hurts.
  • If the pain continues, talk to your cancer doctor about stronger medicines.


Remember To Stay Away From

  • Sharp, crunchy foods, like taco chips, that could scrape or cut your mouth.
  • Food that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices, which can irritate your mouth.
  • Sugary foods, like candy or soda that could cause cavities.
  • Toothpicks, because they can cut your mouth.
  • All tobacco products.
  • Alcoholic drinks.


Do Children Get Mouth Problems Too?

Chemotherapy causes other side effects in children, depending on the child's age. Problems with teeth are the most common. Permanent teeth may be slow to come in and may look different from normal teeth. Teeth may fall out. We will check your child's jaws for any growth problems.

Before chemotherapy begins, schedule an appointment for us to see your child. We will check your child's mouth carefully and pull loose teeth or those that may become loose during treatment. Ask us what you can do to help your child with mouth care.



Remember

  • Visit us before your cancer treatment starts.
  • Take good care of your mouth during treatment.
  • Talk regularly with your cancer doctor and dentist about any mouth problems you have.

Toothpaste Ingredients

June 10, 2024
Toothpaste Ingredients Looking at the label on most toothpaste, it would seem that you need an advanced degree in biochemistry to decipher the ingredient names.Propylene glycol, sodium bicarbonate, sodium pyrophosphate, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate are all listed. Are you sure you want to put this stuff in your mouth? Fear not. Here is an explanation of which ingredients do what in various types of toothpaste: Hydrogen Peroxide This is one of the few ingredients actually proven to whiten teeth. It is, in essence, a bleach. H.P. is found in the kits dentists can prescribe to bleach your teeth, as well as in over-the-counter bleaching kits. The American Dental Association advises that you should bleach your teeth only under the recommendation and supervision of your dentist. Sodium Bicarbonate It sounds high-tech, but it's actually nothing more than old-fashioned baking soda. It's function in toothpaste is questioned by the ADA, although some dentists say it can help to remove coffee and food stains from your teeth. It is a mild abrasive, so it scours your teeth, helping to eliminate plaque. And it does make your teeth feel clean and smooth. Other abrasives you'll often find in toothpastes are dicalcium phosphate, kaolin, bentonite, silica and calcium carbonate (chalk). Sodium Pyrophosphate This is the active ingredient normally found in tartar-control toothpaste. It has been shown to prevent the formation of plaque when used regularly. However, once tartar hardens onto your teeth, it can't be removed at home. Only a professional cleaning will get rid of it. Propylene Glycol This is a widely-used humectant - an ingredient that keeps the toothpaste moist, and prevents the solid and liquid ingredients from separating. Other common humectants in toothpaste are sorbitol, pentatol and glycerol. Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate This is a detergent-type ingredient that causes toothpaste to foam in your mouth. You may also see ingredients such as sodium stearyl fumarate and sodium lauryl sulfate. Some believe that the latter (SLS) induces canker sores in people sensitive to this ingredient. As with any product, if use causes discomfort, stop using it and consult your dentist or doctor. Sodium Saccharin This is the least-expensive sweetener, so it is the one you are most likely to see in most toothpastes. It is 600 times sweeter than table sugar, so only a small amount is used to sweeten your toothpaste. Other common toothpaste sweeteners are aspartame and ammoniated diglyzzherizins. Desensitizing Ingredients These are used in toothpastes specially formulated for sensitive teeth. Strontium chloride and potassium nitrate are the two ingredients recognized by the ADA to reduce discomfort if your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods. How do they work? They block the transmission of pain to the nerves in your teeth. They don't work immediately - it takes 4-6 weeks for these ingredients to desensitize your teeth. Triclosan This is an antibacterial agent that was recently approved for use in toothpaste by the FDA. It has been used for years as the active ingredient in antibacterial soaps, lotions, sponges and cutting boards. In toothpaste, triclosan has been clinically proven to fight gingivitis in adults by inhibiting the growth of plaque-causing bacteria. Colgate Total, manufactured and distributed by Colgate-Palmolive Co., is the only toothpaste that currently contains the disinfectant triclosan. Other toothpaste manufacturers are expected to follow suit, but since triclosan is considered a drug, all toothpastes that contain it will have to obtain FDA approval before going on the market.

Tooth Sensitivity

June 10, 2024
Tooth Sensitivity Do you have or do you know someone who has sensitive teeth? If your answer is yes, you will have a true appreciation for the content of this page. What Is Tooth Sensitivity? It can be defined as a painful reaction in one of more teeth triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks. This pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. Apart from a cavity or a missing filling, the most common cause of tooth sensitivity is exposed dentin on the roots of your teeth. Normally, the dentin (the second, more sensitive layer of the tooth) is surrounded and protected by your enamel, cementum (special root covering) and gums. The cause or mechanism of dentinal sensitivity is still not well understood. It is believed that the little tubes that connect the dentin to the nerve or pulp serve as sensory conductors. That sensation may be one of pain. OUCH!! Causes Of Exposed Root Surfaces Which May Result In Dentinal Sensitivity: Brushing too hard - Over a period of time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush may wear away enamel or cementum and cause the dentin to be exposed. Recession of the gums - Movement of gums away from the tooth due to periodontal disease will expose the root surface. Gum disease - Inflamed and sore gum tissue may also cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments which exposes root surface. Other Causes Of Sensitive Teeth: Cracked teeth - Chipped or broken teeth may fill up with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing an inflammatory reaction. Grinding your teeth - Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin. Plaque - The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity. What To Do At Home: Maintain good oral hygiene - Continue to clean all parts of your teeth and mouth thoroughly. Use a soft bristled toothbrush -This will result in less toothbrush abrasion of the tooth surface. Use desensitizing toothpaste - There are many on the market. With regular use you should feel a decreased sensitivity. Try spreading a thin layer on the exposed roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. You'll need to find the product that works for you, likely through trial and error. Consider what you eat - If you frequently eat foods high in acids, such as citrus fruits (example: sucking on lemons), they can gradually dissolve the enamel over time, leading to dentin exposure. The citric acids may aggravate the hypersensitivity and initiate a painful reaction. Use fluoridated dental products - As an example, with a daily application of a fluoridated mouthrinse, hypersensitivity usually decreases. Ask us about a daily fluoride rinse for your home use. Professional Care: Ask us what may be used to help reduce sensitivity. Some of the most common treatments are: White fillings to cover exposed root surfaces Fluoride varnish applied to the exposed root surface Dentin sealer applied to the exposed root surface

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