Dental care is an important part of chemotherapy treatment

At Waterford Dental Health, we understand that the support of family members and professionals is a crucial part of helping cancer patients cope with the physical and psychological impact that their disease can have.

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, men and women are often quick to inquire about their options with regard to treating their disease. Treatments vary depending on the type of cancer and whether or not the it has begun to spread, or metastasize, beyond its point of origin. But chemotherapy is commonly used to treat various cancers.

First introduced in the 1950s, chemotherapy drugs help kill cancer cells. They may also be used to keep the cancer from spreading, slow its growth, and/or relieve certain symptoms caused by the cancer.

As effective as treatments can be, chemotherapy drugs are very strong and will kill any fast growing cell, even if it is not cancerous. The death or damage of these normal and healthy cells is responsible for the side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects can be painful, affect self-esteem negatively, and make it difficult to maintain a normal level of activity during ongoing treatments.

Dental care is an important part of chemotherapy treatment. Certain chemo drugs can cause sores in the mouth or throat, and the American Cancer Society recommends that men and women visit a dentist prior to beginning chemotherapy treatments. A dentist can show you how to take care of your teeth and gums during chemo, which may require you do more than your normal dental routine.

Because chemotherapy drugs are so strong, many people feel sick to their stomachs or vomit during their treatments. Nausea and vomiting typically occurs a few hours after a chemo treatment. Persistent vomiting can bring stomach acids into frequent contact with the enamel of your teeth, eroding their strength.

Coping with nausea and vomiting is something that should be discussed with your physician, who may prescribe medications to make these symptoms subside or at least become less severe. If the medicine does not work, or if the vomiting continues for more than one day, call your physician.

Research indicates that oral health mirrors the condition of the body as a whole. Also, regular dental visits can inform dentists about overall health and pinpoint if a person is at a risk for chronic disease. An oral health check-up may be the first indication of a potential health issue not yet evident to a general medical doctor.

Oral health impacts overall health. A healthy mouth is good for more than just a pretty smile. It can affect the entire body, making dental care more than just a cosmetic concern. Many people know that poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even lost teeth. But failing to brush or visit the dentist regularly also can lead to more serious health issues.

While oral health issues may lead to other conditions over time, symptoms may also be indicative of underlying conditions of which a person is unaware. Inflammation of gum tissue may be a warning sign of diabetes. Oral problems, such as lesions in the mouth, may indicate the presence of HIV/AIDS. Dentists may be the first people to diagnose illnesses patients don’t even know they have.

The importance of maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums goes beyond having fresh breath and a white smile. Many people are surprised to discover that oral hygiene plays an integral role in overall health. Waterford Dental Health is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state of the art procedures and personalized care that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles.