Thursday 23 March 2017

What are the Effects of Chemotherapy on Your Mouth and Teeth?

After the diagnosis of cancer, the one common and effective treatment is chemotherapy. Almost every cancer patient has to go through this treatment to get rid of this fatal disease. The radiations and medicines a patient takes during the therapy kill the germs of cancer. However, it leaves a few serious side effects and weaknesses. The common side-effect is a threat to dental health. The chemo can cause dry mouth, loose teeth, swelling in gums, dysphagia, trismus, and changes in taste. When doctors use strong radiations and medications that can kill the strongest germs of cancer in your body, definitely the intensity will affect the fragile parts of the body. Well, in the case of mouth or throat cancer, dental health is more vulnerable to dental health issues. The chemotherapy reduces the saliva glands, the quantity of saliva in the mouth, the color of gums, the strength of gums and roots, and the original color of teeth. Thus, after going through the cancer treatment, a person will realize the pain in teeth, difficulty in chewing, loose teeth, swelling in gums, bleeding in gums, canker sores, lockjaw, and change in the taste.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Kids

Kids who are going through chemo treatment also face some serious side effects. Their baby teeth fall before time. They feel pain in gums while eating. Also, they have an abnormal growth of the permanent teeth. Moreover, the growth process becomes slower than usual. Parents do not realize that this is happening because of the chemotherapy. They start experimenting with things on the teeth of kids. However, you need to consult a dentist because the baby is facing this abnormality due to chemo radiations. Do not apply anything on the gums and teeth without the permission of the dentist.

How to Take Care of Your Teeth during Chemotherapy?



When you are under chemo treatment, the essential thing is to take care of your oral health. The first and primary step is looking after hygiene. Also, it becomes difficult while undergoing chemotherapy. But, you need to take care of two to three times teeth brushing. Proper use of a mouthwash that keeps your mouth hydrated. Also, do not use cosmetic mouthwashes, you need to consult the dentist before having it. Do not eat unhealthy or food items that are hard to chew and grind. Eat soft and healthy meals. Moreover, at this time strength of the teeth is necessary. Thus, use fluoride toothpaste and a mouthwash that can clear off the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Floss your teeth once a day or after having meat, fish, or chicken. Moreover, do not drink or eat items that have color in it or citric acid. Drink water and fresh juices regularly to stay hydrated and maintain the level of saliva.

In a few cases, a patient still feels pain and swelling in the gums. Then, you need to change the habit of eating. Eat mashed boil potatoes, scrambled eggs, bread, and fresh juices. Also, avoid sugary items that can generate pain and cavity in your teeth.

How to Manage Dry Socket Pain?



After having the chemotherapy, a person can also face a dry socket. Sometimes it becomes hard to manage it. Therefore, you need a dentist’s prescription to get rid of this pain. The first step to treat this pang is to recommend a painkiller. If your socket’s pain is in the initial stage, then the painkiller is enough. Moreover, an ice treatment can also be beneficial for dry socket pain. Sometimes dentists ask you to rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the socket hydrated and fresh. However, in case you feel bleeding, then give up on the above method. You only need a special treatment for dry socket then.


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