Preventing Tooth Decay To Maintain Healthy Teeth

Cancer Treatment And Its Side Effects On Your Oral Health

When cancer strikes, the mind often becomes completely overwhelmed with considerations and potential courses of action. This is because the side effects of cancer treatments are serious; they are painful and pervasive. In fact, because there are so many things to consider when coping with cancer, many patients tend to put off what they deem to be lesser concerns. And while this is perhaps understandable, it is a gesture that ought to be avoided.  

Oftentimes, the side effects of certain treatments are so painful that many patients request fewer treatments, or even opt to terminate their course of treatment prematurely. However, you don't have to go down this route. By taking proper care of your mouth and its health, you will be in a better position to ensure and support your course of treatment and improve your quality of life in the process.

Some of the people undergoing head and neck radiation suffer from complications to their oral health. This statement cannot be ignored, nor can the often painful complications that attend these treatments. Some of the side effects suffered by the mouth include:

  1. Taste Alterations. This is certainly one of the mildest side effects of cancer treatments, and has more to do with an absence of pleasure than an experience of pain. Many persons undergoing either chemotherapy or radiation find that they cannot properly taste their food, or that they experience a sour and unfavorable taste alongside their meals.
  2. Infection in the Mouth. The risk of your developing an infection in the mouth during the course of your cancer treatments starkly increases. This is because the body's immune system is significantly depleted, and cannot properly manage and kill the appropriate bacteria in the mouth.
  3. Mouth Pain. Unfortunately, the pain experienced by persons undergoing cancer treatments cannot be ignored. Pain in and around the mouth, and especially in the jaw, completely inhibits your ability to enjoy meals and relax between treatments.
  4. Cavities. Because your mouth's ability to kill and manage bacteria is compromised during cancer treatments, the bacteria left on your teeth often increases your chances of developing cavities.

The state of your mouth is very important. Not only can an unhealthy mouth contribute to unhealthiness in other parts of your body, but when your mouth is unhealthy it becomes difficult to enjoy even the simplest things in life. Consult your dentist at places like Buffalo Dental Group before you commence cancer treatments: he or she can clear your mouth of risks and provide you with a good oral health regime for the coming months. 


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