Cancer and Oral Health

 When we hear the word cancer, it is often associated with Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy. We take for granted the negative impact of cancer treatment on oral health. Management of patients with cancer presents a lot of challenges to the dental professionals before, during and after treatment.
Dental professionals are given the task of developing individualized strategies for managing oral complications of cancer care regimens. While these complications take many forms, the pre- establishment and maintenance of oral health help minimize the adverse consequences of cancer treatment. A thorough medical and dental history should be documented in screening cancer patients.
It should involve comprehensive facial and oral examination that includes lymph nodes, soft and hard tissues. The examination can reveal any signs of pathology that may be a direct result of the cancer or could be exacerbated during treatment. Teeth with poor prognosis either due to caries, trauma or periodontal involvement should be addressed before the start of any cancer treatment. The most common side effects of cancer treatment are xerostomia and hyposalivation.
Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent of saliva flow. Saliva possesses important functions including antimicrobial activity, mechanical cleansing action, control of pH, removal of food debris from and lubrication of the oral cavity, remineralization and maintaining the integrity of the oral mucosa.
Some common problems associated with xerostomia include sore throat, difficulty speaking and swallowing, hoarseness and dry nasal passages. It is the cause of gum disease and tooth decay. If left untreated, it decreases the oral pH and increases the development of plaque, decay and halitosis.
Sodium fluoride rinses and gels can be used to help with xerostomia. Through proper education, assessment and appropriate treatment, patients with the help of a dentist, can minimize xerostomia and its effects on dental health and quality of life.
For more information, please call 661-255-2545. The office is located at 27420 Tourney Rd., Suite 270 in Valencia. You can also learn more at www.kimrosendds.com.