Embarking on a cancer journey is a daunting experience, marked by challenges and adjustments. Amidst the whirlwind of treatments, appointments, and emotional upheaval, oral health often gets overlooked. However, the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene during cancer treatment is super important. Not only does it affect how you feel overall, but it can also make a big difference in how well your treatment goes and how good you feel during and after it.

Understanding the Challenges:

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy can take a toll on your oral health. While crucial for combating cancer cells, these therapies can inadvertently damage healthy cells, including those in the mouth. Side effects such as oral mucositis, xerostomia (dry mouth), infection, and gum disease are common during cancer treatment. Additionally, certain medications used in cancer therapy can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to oral infections and complications.

The Ripple Effect:

The consequences of neglecting oral health during cancer treatment extend beyond the mouth. Oral complications can hinder your ability to eat, speak, and swallow, leading to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and decreased quality of life. Furthermore, oral infections can delay or disrupt cancer treatment, compromising its effectiveness and prolonging recovery time. Therefore, addressing oral health concerns proactively is essential for mitigating these risks and maintaining overall health and well-being.

Challenges for Patients with Existing Oral Infections or Decays:

For individuals already struggling with oral infections or dental decay before cancer diagnosis, the challenges can be even more daunting. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can exacerbate existing oral health issues, leading to worsening infections, increased pain, and greater discomfort. The weakened immune system during chemotherapy makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections, allowing oral bacteria to thrive and spread. As a result, dental infections may progress rapidly, causing complications such as abscesses, bone loss, and even systemic infections if left untreated.

Tips for Patients with Existing Oral Health Issues:

1. Pre-Treatment Dental Evaluation: If you have existing oral infections or dental decay, it's crucial to address these issues before starting cancer treatment. Schedule a comprehensive dental evaluation with your dentist to assess the extent of the problem and determine the most appropriate course of action. This may involve dental procedures such as root canal therapy, tooth extraction, or periodontal treatment to eliminate sources of infection and reduce oral inflammation.
2. Close Monitoring: During cancer treatment, maintain regular communication with your healthcare team regarding any changes or worsening of oral symptoms. Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as persistent pain, swelling, or pus discharge, and seek prompt dental care if you suspect a dental emergency.
3. Strict Oral Hygiene: Practice meticulous oral hygiene to minimize the risk of further oral infections. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to areas of decay or inflammation. Use antimicrobial mouth rinses as recommended by your dentist to help control bacterial growth and reduce plaque accumulation.
4. Pain Management: If you experience significant pain or discomfort from oral infections during cancer treatment, discuss pain management strategies with your healthcare team. They may prescribe pain medications or recommend topical analgesics to help alleviate oral symptoms and improve your quality of life.
5. Nutritional Support: Maintaining adequate nutrition is crucial for supporting your body's immune function and promoting healing during cancer treatment. If oral infections or dental pain makes eating difficult, consult with your doctor to explore alternative dietary options or nutritional supplements to ensure you receive essential nutrients.

General guidelines to improve & maintain oral health:

1. Floss before you brush
2. Keeping the tongue clean
3. Get an extra layer of protection with mouthwash
4. If possible, eat whole foods, limit sugary and acidic foods
5. Stay hydrated
6. Visit your dentist at least twice a year

 Taking care of your mouth before, during, and after cancer treatment is super important. Cancer treatments can mess with your mouth's natural balance, leading to problems like dry mouth, mouth sores, and infections.

By tackling mouth issues before treatment, keeping up with good oral hygiene, and getting help when needed, you can make your cancer journey a little easier on your mouth and your whole body. Remember, talking openly with your healthcare team and taking care of yourself are key.

“Expert knowledge means better care for cancer”

Contributed by:

Dr Thomas Soh

MBBS (Singapore) - MRCP (United Kingdom)