Post by Deanne Jenkyns on Jun 25, 2007 19:29:39 GMT 1
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy both are helpful to treat cancer. However
both of these can temporarily damage normal cells, including cells in the mouth.
These side effects can cause problems with teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining
of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva (spit). It is important that you
know that these mouth side effects could become serious problems.
There is a range of problems that people can have with the throat or mouth during
treatment. Some patients develop irritation or soreness in the mouth. Sometimes
the inflammation becomes mouth sores similar to cold or canker sores, called
"mucositis." A person can also have burning, peeling and swelling of the tongue.
Having a dry mouth is also a common side effect. Any of these problems can
make it hard to eat, drink, swallow, talk or sleep. When the mouth is affected,
there is also a risk of infection.
Taking care of your mouth during cancer treatment will help you.
Taking good care of your mouth may not prevent you from having any problems.
But, you may be able to lessen the severity of mouth problems you have.
C It can help you with overall health during treatment.
It is very important that you take good care of your mouth and throat for your
overall health. When your mouth and throat are in good condition you can eat
a nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids. This can help you stay stronger
and heal better. Most people should have 8 - 12 cups of decaffeinated fluids a
day.
C It's a way you may help youself prevent more serious side effects.
Having good dental care before and during cancer treatment is important for
your general health and may help prevent more serious problems. You can
help reduce the amount of irritation, bleeding, pain and risk for infection. It is
important to take good care of your mouth and throat.
C Visit your Dentist before Chemotherapy or Radiation if possible.
It’s a help to you if you have good dental care before chemotherapy or
radiation therapy. The National Oral Health Clearinghouse recommends:
< If possible, see a dentist 2 weeks before starting chemotherapy or radiation
therapy, or as soon as this is possible.
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Basic Mouth Care Recommendations:
C Examine your mouth at least once a day.
< Check for open areas, red areas, bleeding, swelling, white patches, or any
other changes in your mouth. Use a mirror or ask your caregiver to help.
< Report any of these problems; burning, difficulty eating, or pain to your
doctor or nurse.
C Keep your mouth clean and moist.
< Clean your teeth; use a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste, if
brushing hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.
< Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy.
C Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed or hurt, avoid the
areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.
C Use a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, which can dry and
irritate your mouth.
< Rinse your mouth after meals and at bedtime with a solution of 1/4
teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water.
Follow with a plain water rinse.
< Non-alcohol containing mouthwashes are also available for purchase.
Some of those products are: Biotene®, Tom’s Natural Mouthwash®, and
Rembrant Dazzling Mouthwash®.
C Dentures that don't fit well can cause problems.
< Remove and clean dentures/ bridges each time you brush your teeth.
< Rinse your mouth with mouthwash before putting dentures / bridges back
into your mouth.
< Wear your dentures only for meals if your platlet count is low.
< Keep your dentures / bridges in clean water when not wearing them.
< Talk to your doctor or dentist about dentures that do not fit.
C Keep your lips moist. To avoid cracked lips, apply lip balm, cocoa butter or
petroleum jelly.
C Your doctor may prescribe medications or solutions to assist in
controlling pain and with treatment of your sore mouth. Use them as they
are prescribed.
C Avoid these if you develop sores in your mouth:
< All tobacco
< Drinking alcohol
< Foods and juices that are highly acidic (oranges, tomato, grapefruit)
< Spicy or "hot" foods that may burn or sting your mouth.