हिंदी
CHANDIGARH
There are many types of research that demonstrate that the body might give some side effects from cancer therapies. Chemo and radiation therapy both have the potential to cause mouth sores, have an impact on salivary gland function, and harm the teeth and gums. Treatment for cancer can make cavities and gum disease worse. Because the white blood cell numbers fall after therapy, the immune system is unable to perform at its best, leading to oral infections.
A frequent side effect of cancer treatment is oral mucositis, which can result in cold sores and discomfort. The mouth will often be inflamed, hurt, and burn. After taking the medication for 7 to 10 days, chemotherapy patients start to experience mucositis.
The ulceration and itching last for one to two weeks. Usually during the first 2 to 3 weeks of radiation therapy, especially patients undergoing it for head and neck cancer develop mucositis, which lasts till the treatment goes. Normally, after the radiation treatment comes to an end, it will get two and four weeks to heal the ulcers.
To avoid unanticipated oral health concerns, seeing a dental beforehand, during, and then after cancer care is strongly advised. Here are some tips that are advised to go through before and after the cancer treatment:
• Using an ultra-soft toothbrush and cleaning your teeth twice a day is advised along with a toothbrush change after every two months.
- If performing dental hygiene treatments becomes uncomfortable, one might use the brushes in warm water.
- To avoid causing tissue damage, dental flossing should be done properly every day in addition to cleaning your teeth. If using normal floss is difficult, interdental brushes or floss holders with unusual designs may be advised.
- Other than recommending that patients use fluoridated toothpaste, dentists may also recommend fluoride varnish if the patient’s capacity for oral hygiene is impaired or if decreased salivation increases the risk of tooth decay.
- Chlorhexidine mouthwash has been the first product of choice because of its outstanding antiplaque and persistent antibacterial activity when patients are unable to undertake regular oral hygiene owing to oral discomfort.
