Chemotherapy (drug therapy) and/or radiotherapy (radiation therapy) methods used in the treatment of cancer, which is increasingly common today, have many negative effects on oral and dental tissues. These are:
-Dry mouth:
Small amounts of water can be drunk frequently,
Saliva support preparations recommended by the dentist can be used,
Spicy and acidic foods should be avoided.
If there is no problem in the jaw joints and muscles, gum can be chewed.
-Mouth sores:
Pain relieving and healing-supporting medications or practices recommended by the physician can be administered.
Hot, spicy or acidic foods should not be eaten,
Attention should be paid to nutrition.
>-Increased risk of tooth decay:
If possible, all treatments should be completed before chemotherapy and radiotherapy begin and dentist checks should be made regularly during the treatment process,
Oral care should be regular. should be done, the use of strip-shaped waxed dental floss should be added to oral care,
Preventive treatments such as fluoride application to the teeth and fissure sealant can be arranged,
In case of tooth decay, contact the Oncologist and get health care. Treatments should be done when the condition allows,
-Condensation in saliva consistency:
Fluid consumption should be increased.
-Taste disorders. :
It is generally temporary and decreases after a while after chemotherapy is completed.
-Changes in sensation in the oral tissues:
Again. It is temporary.
-Increase in susceptibility to infection:
Oral care should not be neglected as there is an increase in gum reactions. It is necessary to consult a dentist when swelling, pain, bleeding or a change in the appearance of the gums is noticed.
-Impairment in bone healing:
Tooth extractions and bone-oriented surgeries, general condition of the patient If appropriate, it should be performed before chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy begins. While the treatments are continuing or even after they are completed, the patient's dentist and the oncologist should discuss the suitability of the procedures.
- Restriction in opening the mouth:
In radiotherapy applications to the head and neck region, the chewing muscles in this region may be affected and limitation in mouth opening may occur. In this case, mouth opening exercises (manually or with special apparatus), physical therapy applications, and hot applications may be planned.
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing:
Eating foods. It can be prepared in a soft consistency and consumed with liquid.
These side effects are less common in patients with good oral health and care. After a while, most of the complaints improve.
Biphosphonates, a group of drugs used in the treatment of cancers that spread to the bone, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, etc., are known to cause serious side effects on the jaw bones. . In patients using these medications, even if the medication is discontinued, bone wounds (Necrosis) that do not close may occur in the mouth, especially when a tooth is extracted or a surgical procedure is performed on the jaw bone. In order to avoid such a situation, it is extremely important to have a dentist examination before starting cancer treatment and to complete all dental treatments, especially tooth extractions, a few weeks before. If a tooth-related infection occurs after drug use in this group of patients, preventive treatments should be preferred instead of tooth extraction and close clinical follow-up should be performed. In this process, it would be appropriate for the oncologist and the dentist to prepare the treatment plan together through consultation. Patients should be informed that the risk of bone necrosis continues even years after the end of treatment.
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