People undergoing treatment for cancer should not ignore oral care, as one’s ability to fight infections is significantly lowered. Mouth ulcers and sores are a common side effect of cancer treatment, which can cause pain and irritation when brushing. Avoiding brushing, however, can breed bacteria.
Another common side effect of radiation and chemotherapy is dry mouth. The lack of saliva can cause bacteria to grow, increasing the chances of developing periodontal diseases. Radiation can also cause bones to die, so if a tooth needs to be removed dentists may not be able to extract it because it cannot heal.
Staying as healthy as possible is extremely important while undergoing treatment. Maintaining good oral health one of the first steps in staying healthy, which can strongly effect how the treatments work.
If you or someone you love is going through or about to go through cancer treatment and hasn’t seen a dentist yet, contact the experienced Austin dental specialists at Bridgeview Dental at 512-347-8299.