Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy are celebrated for being life-saving therapies that offer hope to many. However, these treatments often come with a range of side effects that can impact the entire body, including one’s oral health. For patients undergoing cancer radiation, dental health can be significantly affected, leading to potential dental emergencies down the road. This is why it’s so critical to get a dental check-up before starting radiation treatment which is something many people don’t realize.
Here at Ideal Dentistry, we understand the importance of taking precautions to protect your oral health to prevent complications that could interfere with your cancer treatment and recovery.
Radiation and Its Effects on Oral Health
Radiation therapy anywhere, but especially when it’s focused on the head or neck area, can have serious effects on the teeth, gums, and jawbone. One of the most common side effects of radiation therapy is dry mouth, more formally known as xerostomia, which is caused by reduced saliva production. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth and gums, neutralizing acids, helping you to swallow and preventing infections. When saliva production is impaired then, it’s not surprising that the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections increases significantly.
Another side effect of radiation is that it can also weaken the bone structure in your jaw, which can make it more susceptible to fractures and infections. This is especially concerning because a weakened jawbone can hinder your ability to heal after dental procedures, such as tooth extractions. In certain cases, radiation therapy may even lead to a condition known as osteoradionecrosis, where the bone tissue in the jaw becomes damaged and unable to heal properly. This can cause severe pain, delayed healing, and potentially require invasive dental treatments.
Chemotherapy and Its Impact on Oral Health
While radiation specifically targets cancer cells, chemotherapy works by attacking the fast-growing cells in the body, which includes both cancer cells and healthy cells like those in the mouth. Because of this chemotherapy can cause mouth sores, painful gums, and infections, which can make eating and speaking more difficult. It also weakens the body’s ability to fight off bacteria, which leads to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth infections. Chemotherapy patients often experience a compromised immune system. This can make even routine dental procedures riskier without proper management.
Why a Pre-Radiation Dental Check-Up is Essential
Given these potential risks, it’s extremely important to visit your nearest dentist in South Sacramento or beyond for a thorough dental check-up before beginning radiation treatment. At Ideal Dentistry, we encourage this proactive step to help identify any existing oral issues that need attention and to prevent future dental emergencies.
Remember, it’s important to prevent complications to your oral health by making sure to do the following before you start cancer treatment:
Try to Prevent of Dental Emergencies
Cancer treatments can increase the likelihood of developing serious dental issues. For example, an untreated cavity can quickly escalate into an abscess during radiation, leading to severe pain and the need for immediate care. An emergency dentist in Sacramento can help resolve issues before radiation begins to avoid any emergencies that can be prevented.
Make Sure Your Jawbone is Healthy
Since radiation can weaken the bone in your jaw, it’s necessary to check that your teeth and jawbone are in good condition before treatment. This may include tooth extractions for teeth that are at risk of infection and will help avoid complications during radiation. A healthy bone structure in the jaw will also facilitate recovery if any dental work is needed during the duration of the cancer treatment.
Manage Dry Mouth and Take Care of Oral Health
Your best dentist in Sacramento CA, can recommend strategies to help manage dry mouth, such as using special mouthwashes, fluoride treatments, lozenges, or oral moisturizing gels. These measures can help protect your teeth and gums throughout your radiation therapy.
Get a Customized Treatment Plans for Chemotherapy
For chemotherapy patients, our dentist office in East Sacramento can design a treatment plan to help reduce the chances of side effects like mouth sores and gum sensitivity. In certain cases, dental sealants or fluoride treatments might even be recommended to protect your teeth from quicker decay while your immune system is compromised.
A Caring Dental Team for Cancer Patients
Here at Ideal Dentistry, our dentist, East Sacramento assistants and staff are all committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care for our patients undergoing cancer treatment. We understand the challenges of managing oral health during radiation and chemotherapy, and we are here to help you avoid complications. Our staff can even work closely with oncologists to make sure your oral health is carefully monitored throughout your treatment.
Scheduling a dental check-up with your dentist in South Sacramento before starting cancer radiation can significantly reduce the risk of dental emergencies and the pain associated with them. We are proud to be considered the best dentist in Sacramento, CA, offering comprehensive care for all your dental needs.
If you are preparing for cancer treatment, please consider contacting us for a thorough consultation. Call us today at (916) 585-4597 to protect your smile, protect your health, and give yourself the best chance for a smooth recovery.