However, if side effects aren’t treated, they can lead to infection. During cancer treatment, your body cannot fight off infection, so infections can be even more severe and delay your cancer treatment. Trismus, also known as lockjaw, is a common side effect among people undergoing oral cancer treatment. Trismus limits the amount of motion in your jaw, making it difficult to eat or talk. Around 30 percent of patients who receive chemoradiation treatment experience trismus. Trismus can be difficult, but it is often temporary and will go away after treatment.
Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for cancer patients, but it can also have numerous side effects on the body. One lesser-known side effect is the increased risk of gum disease or infection during chemo. This can be a frustrating and painful experience for anyone going through treatment.
You will still visit your peridontist for proper gum disease treatment. Certain items such as the use of special toothpaste for receding gums, coconut oil or consuming foods high in antioxidants, beta-carotene, and Omega-3 fats, may help periodontal healing, but may not treat them. Special deep gums cleaning, called deep cleaning, root scaling or root planing is normally the main course treatment for gum diseases.
Ulcers may form, grow, and cause pain, loss of feeling, or infection. Pain that is not controlled can affect all areas of the patient’s life. Pain may cause feelings of anxiety and depression, and may prevent the patient from working or enjoying everyday life with friends and family. Pain may also slow the recovery from cancer or lead to new physical problems.
Taking Care of Your Oral Health During Chemo
This can be heart-breaking at times, but consider how your loved one would feel if they realized you transmitted an infection to them. If you must be in a crowded environment, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should be wearing a mask. Finally, it can be harder to recognize the presence of an infection when someone is coping with cancer. If you already have symptoms such as a cough related to your cancer, it can be harder to determine whether you’ve developed an infection or if your symptoms are related to your cancer alone.
The amount of saliva made by the salivary glands usually starts to decrease within 1 week after starting radiation therapy to the head or neck. How severe the dryness is depends on the dose of radiation and the number of salivary glands that receive radiation. Radiation therapy can directly damage oral tissue, salivary glands, and bone. Total-body radiation can cause permanent damage to the salivary glands.
It is crucial to prioritize your oral health during chemotherapy to prevent or manage gum disease or infection. Brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using alcohol-free mouthwash can help reduce the risk of infection. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important to monitor any changes in your oral health.
Damaged gums or excessive gums may be removed by gingivectomy. When there is thin gums or exposed roots, gingival grafting may be an option used to treat gums. To improve gum recession, gingival grafts may sometime be a treatment option whereby gums are placed over exposed areas to protect your tooth.
Before beginning chemotherapy, it can be helpful to pick up a box of disposable gloves which you can use for everything from cleaning up children’s noses to cleaning up after animals. If your white count is low and if you will be out in public, your oncologist may recommend wearing a mask. If you do wear a mask, make sure it fits well and seals properly.
Seeking Help from a Dental Professional
If you experience gum disease or infection during chemo, it is essential to seek help from a dental professional. They can provide treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
Overall, maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking help from a dental professional can help manage gum disease or infection during chemotherapy. Remember to communicate with your healthcare team about any oral health concerns you may have during treatment.
