Our Location:
Five blocks South of the
Lynnhaven Mall
Behind the Chick-Fil-A
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2010
Tags
- celebrity smiles (86)
- oral health (23)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- dental fillings (1)
- sleep apnea (3)
- cosmetic dentistry (10)
- smile makeover (2)
- orthodontic treatment (19)
- braces (10)
- orthodontics (6)
- tads (1)
- Veneers (2)
- dental implants (16)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- Teeth (1)
- Virginia Beach (2)
- thumb sucking (2)
- pediatric dentistry (14)
- Partial Dentures (1)
- Tooth Replacement (3)
- Missing Teeth (3)
- diabetes (3)
- sealants (2)
- nutrition (3)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- bone grafting (3)
- oral hygiene (31)
- root canal (3)
- osteoporosis (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- dental injury (8)
- teeth whitening (8)
- gum surgery (1)
- mouthguards (6)
- tooth pain (4)
- root canal treatment (8)
- oral cancer (1)
- dental injuries (2)
- tooth decay (9)
- baby teeth (2)
- dental implant (5)
- crowns (6)
- gummy smile (2)
- bridge (1)
- partial denture (2)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- bonding (1)
- crown lengthening (2)
- chipped teeth (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- cancer (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dentures (2)
- antibiotics (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- pediatric care (1)
- cold sore (1)
- tmj disorders (4)
- gum disease (8)
- mouthguard (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- retainers (1)
- dental care (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- root resorption (1)
- bad breath (3)
- fluoride (2)
- sugar (1)
- chipped tooth (4)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- fillings (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- air abrasion (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- toothache (1)
- x-ray (1)
- snoring (2)
- bruxism (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- GERD (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- flossing (1)
- extraction (2)
- gum recession (3)
- dry mouth (1)
- teething (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- retainer (2)
- lingual braces (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- jaw surgery (1)
- pregnancy (1)
Despite momentous strides in recent years in the fight against cancer, treatments can still disrupt normal life. Both radiation and chemotherapy have side effects that can cause problems in other areas of health—particularly the teeth and gums.
If you or a loved one are undergoing cancer treatment, it's important to get ahead of any potential side effects it may have on dental health. Here are 4 things that can help protect teeth and gums while undergoing cancer treatment.
Get a preliminary dental exam. Before beginning treatment, patients should have their dentist examine their teeth and gums to establish a baseline for current dental health and to treat any problems that may already exist. However, patients should only undergo dental procedures in which the recovery time can be completed before starting radiation or chemotherapy.
Be meticulous about oral hygiene. Undergoing cancer treatment can increase the risks for developing tooth decay or gum disease. That's why it's important that patients thoroughly brush and floss everyday to reduce bacterial plaque buildup that causes disease. Patients should also reduce sugar in their diets, a prime food source for bacteria, and eat “teeth-friendly” foods filled with minerals like calcium and phosphorous to keep teeth strong.
Keep up regular dental visits. The physical toll that results from cancer treatment often makes it difficult to carry on routine activities. Even so, patients should try to keep up regular dental visits during their treatment. Besides the extra disease prevention offered by dental cleanings, the dentist can also monitor for any changes in oral health and provide treatment if appropriate.
Minimize dry mouth. Undergoing cancer treatment can interfere with saliva production and flow. This can lead to chronic dry mouth and, without the full protection of saliva against dental disease, could increase the risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Patients can minimize dry mouth by drinking more water, using saliva boosters and discussing medication alternatives with their doctor.
It may not be possible to fully avoid harm to your oral health during cancer treatment, and some form of dental restoration may be necessary later. But following these guidelines could minimize the damage and make it easier to regain your dental health afterward.
If you would like more information on dental care during cancer treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Oral Health During Cancer Treatment.”