Blog Highlights:
Chemotherapy can decrease saliva production, which is why making sure that your dental health is in top condition before getting treatments is very important
Dentists can evaluate the condition of your dental health and give you information on what treatments you need before therapy
Eating the right natural foods is necessary to support your overall health
Cigarettes and tobacco contain toxins which will not just harm your oral cavity, but also your entire body
Observing proper dental hygiene is crucial as the healthier your teeth and gums are, the more you can avoid the dental side effects of chemotherapy
Making sure that your mouth is in top condition before getting cancer treatment is very important.
Patients who have existing mouth problems prior to getting cancer treatment must seek immediate help. This is because chemotherapy can significantly decrease the production of one’s saliva.
Without the help of saliva, it is very easy for bacteria to flourish within the mouth. Cancer treatments can make a person very susceptible to dental problems; this is why dealing with any dental issues must be done beforehand.
Seeing a Dentist as soon as possible
Seeing a dentist early on will help patients get a professional opinion on the actual condition of their teeth and gums.
By letting the dentist evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums, the professional can help provide you with much needed information on what treatments you should take prior to chemotherapy. Availing of any necessary treatments can actually help reduce the chances of you going through some of the dental side effects associated with cancer treatments.
Eating a balanced and nutritious Diet
Eating natural foods that are low in fat and rich in vitamins and minerals is great for your health and wellness.
More than just eating fresh fruits and vegetables, it is also important to balance your diet by consuming protein from low-fat or fat-free sources. You can consume low-fat dairy products, eat food items made with whole grain, as well as cook lean beef, skinless poultry, or fish and other types of seafood in order to support your overall health.
Quitting Smoking as Early as Possible
Smoking is very dangerous to your health. Cigarettes and tobacco contain toxins which will not just harm your oral cavity, but also your entire body. Smoking is known to cause teeth stains and bad breath, and it is also known to cause bacterial plaques which will eventually lead to gum disease.
Observing proper Dental Hygiene
The healthier your teeth and gums are, the more you can avoid the dental side effects of chemotherapy.
It is highly recommended that you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush, or dip a regular one in warm water to help make it softer. It is also important that you use Fluoride toothpastes, and that you brush your mouth thoroughly in order to eliminate as much bacteria as possible.
Flossing once a day is also necessary. Aside from helping to remove food debris, flossing can also help clean hard-to-reach surfaces.
Regular use of mouthwash is also necessary for dental health. Just make sure that the product you use does not contain any alcohol. Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend that you use fluoride rinses and baking soda solutions.
The NIH recommends the following rinsing solutions for your dental health:
- Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda and half a teaspoon of salt in four cups of water
- Add a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water
- Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in four cups of water
